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Why libraries should stay in schools
A NEED TO READ Meyerland PVA eighth graders Delaney Moore, Maggie Hogue, and Sophia Sorena want to spread awareness that libraries are being closed in our very own school district. This school year, HISD eliminated libraries from 28 schools, repurposing them into discipline centers.
Despite school libraries having a vital role in the education and well-being of students, many have been closed in Houston Independent School District. It is hard for us to believe that some students do not have the benefit of a library, because our library has been instrumental in our education and is the center of our school community. At Meyerland PVA Middle School we are lucky enough to have an amazing librarian who helps us with anything we need, from a recommendation for a good book to a quiet place to eat your lunch. The library is a safe space for many students.
Libraries are beneficial for students in many ways. Students without access to books or internet at home can use the library to get the information they need. No student learns the same way, and the library is helpful in providing numerous resources. Beyond the educational benefits, we know that there are some students who may need to relax, read, or escape from the noisiness of the lunchroom or classroom.
Many people agree that libraries should be in schools. In the words of former mayor Sylvester Turner, “When you close libraries, you deprive all students of resources they need to learn and achieve.”
“The school library equips students with lifelong skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens,” states The International Federation of Library Associations. Meyerland PVA Middle School students agree. Eighth grader Jacqueline Gonzalez says, “Our library helps students by providing tons of information for projects and other school activities. The library is also a comfortable place to read or hang out, it is a place that can relieve stress.”
Students can do so much to help their school library. For example, you can put posters around the school promoting the use of the library, make book trailer videos, promote schoolwide reading challenges, design book bulletin boards, or create a school library social media account to inform people about library events. We are so lucky to have the library services that we do, and we hope that all students have access to a library again soon.
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