Aldine ISD Students, Families and Staff Sign ‘Declaration for the Right to Libraries’

Kujawa Elementary School

Students, parents and local advocates are visiting Aldine ISD campuses to show their support for the right of every young person to a dynamic school library by signing the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]American Library Association’s “Declaration for the Right to Libraries.”

The “Declaration for the Right to Libraries” is a document started by the American Library Association as part of “Libraries Change Lives” initiative, which is designed to build the public will and sustain support for America’s right to libraries of all types – academic, special, school and public.

Aldine ISD school libraries are holding signing ceremonies during the spring semester, during which folks can visibly declare their right to have vibrant libraries in their community.

The signing ceremonies are intended to serve as a way to increase awareness about the importance of libraries. Information literacy specialists at school libraries (library media centers or LMCs) across the district organized a variety of events. At Kujawa Elementary School, Neley Haynes invited everyone to sign the declaration. Mikki Marschall at Aldine Middle School invited students to sign their names to hearts posted on a wall. Dorothy Allen at MacArthur Ninth talked to students about the declaration. Allen also had students discuss the 10 sections of the “Declaration to the Right to Libraries” and students signed a paper cut-out book to post on the hallway library bulletin board. And Elena Moore at Parker Intermediate had students spend a week learning about the declaration. Parker Intermediate students read, signed and wrote summaries utilizing the LMC’s Chromebooks about why they enjoy the library.

Kujawa Elementary

The Declaration Tenets

Libraries empower the individual.
Libraries support literacy and lifelong learning.
Libraries strengthen families.
Libraries are the great equalizer.
Libraries build communities.
Libraries protect our right to know.
Libraries strengthen our nation.
Libraries advance research and scholarship.
Libraries help us to better understand each other.
Libraries preserve our nation’s cultural heritage.

According to Cindy Buchanan, AISD program director of library media services, school libraries and certified school librarians offer students much more than just access to print materials. They serve as a vital component of the collaborative educational teams found in today’s successful schools.

“Lives change at the library every day,” said Buchanan. “Children, students and adults turn to libraries to learn, grow and achieve their dreams. I encourage everyone to sign the Declaration for the Right to Libraries. It is not too late to show support.”

Certified school librarians teach students information and literacy skills needed to navigate the Internet responsibly, conduct research, cite sources, think critically, and learn in any content area.

Certified school librarians foster a love for reading, added Buchanan. They provide classroom teachers and students with the latest digital and print resources.  Their efforts to educate children are recognized by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and they are looked upon as teachers whose instruction plays a key role in student learning and growth.

Since 1965, more than 60 national education and library studies have produced clear evidence that school library programs staffed by certified school librarians have a positive impact on students’ college and career readiness.

“We are so fortunate in Aldine ISD to have our libraries supported by the superintendent and the school board,” said Buchanan. “The information literacy specialists in AISD appreciate the value placed on information literacy and reading by our district leaders.”

You can show your support of libraries by signing the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]”Declaration for the Right to Libraries.”

View the YouTube video showing Aldine ISD students and staff supporting libraries.

Below are some additional images of folks supporting school libraries.

Kujawa Elementary School

Aldine Middle School student Gerald Adamson shows his support.

Parker Intermediate School students write about why they like to use libraries.

Parker Intermediate students sign the Declaration for the Right to Libraries.

MacArthur Ninth Grade School’s Wall of Support for the “Declaration for the Right to Libraries.”