On Friday, June 27, from 1:00 to 1:45 PM, community members will gather for a silent “Read-In” on the steps of the School District of Philadelphia Administration Building (440 N. Broad Street) to advocate for the return of certified school librarians in every district-operated school.
Organized by the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians (PARSL), the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA), and EveryLibrary, the event is a public show of support for student literacy, digital media literacy, and the joy of reading without protest signs or chants, just books.
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The Read-In invites participants of all ages to bring a book and silently read together within this 45-minute window.
Organizers emphasize that this is not a protest but a peaceful demonstration of the value that school librarians bring to student learning, equity, and success.
You can learn more or RSVP for the event here.
Philadelphia is one of the largest urban districts in the United States with very few certified school librarians. Dozens of studies confirm that students with access to well-staffed, well-resourced school libraries perform better academically, are more likely to read for pleasure, and are better prepared for research, civic engagement, and digital citizenship.
“Restoring certified school librarians to Philadelphia’s public schools is a matter of educational equity,” said Deb Kachel, Core Planning team member of PARSL. “We are calling on district leaders to partner with us to create a plan for rebuilding school library programs that support all students, regardless of zip code.”
Participants will help amplify the message that school libraries are vital to a healthy public education system. T-shirts supporting reading, literacy, and libraries are encouraged. Media is invited to attend.
EveryLibrary
https://www.everylibrary.org/
