One, two, three, four-time to start a library war

Because of economic hardships, libraries have been one of the numerous public services that have fallen victim to countless and heavy budget cuts. Some libraries have had to cut staff positions, reduce hours and limit collection development. But, could it get worse than that? Yes, it can.

According to an article on NRP.org, there are currently more than 100 public schools in the Chicago district that do not have in-school libraries because administrators have allocated funds toward other resources and programs in schools. Parents, teachers and ordinary citizens are staging sit-ins and protests for the opening of school libraries. These protestors claim that administrators and policy makers are overlooking the need for libraries, instead favoring renovations to schools that include new science labs, bigger cafeteria space and new athletic complexes.

Albeit, these renovations and additions are beneficial to schools and students, libraries should be one of the chief items on the budget agenda. If there are no libraries in schools, how are students supposed to find books to read and conduct research for projects? In regard to education and the intelligence of the average student, the United States is no longer a contender in the global race. We are lagging behind more advanced countries like Japan and China.

If the United States wants to continue to be a worthy opponent to other countries, it is vital it continues to provide resources and places for children and young adults to learn. By having no libraries available in schools, of all places, it shows that the country is not putting a great effort to promote the education of its citizens. Instead, school budgets go toward increased administrator salaries and new athletic complexes, once again, proving personal agenda and athletics at times take precedence over academics.

If students do not have access to resources and research, how are they supposed to pass countless tests the state requires them to take? How are they supposed to prepare for life after high school? How are they supposed to develop a love for learning and books? Where can they go after school to feel safe and build a sense of community?

There has to be some satisfying medium between administrators and protestors. All monies do not have to go toward the funding of school libraries, but they should not be left out of the discussion when it comes time to discuss agendas and budgets.

To listen and view the article, click here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131208982.