WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to address the shortage of librarians in low-income areas across the country, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) today introduced the Librarian Incentive to Boost Recruitment and Retention in Areas of Need (LIBRARIAN) Act to mark National Library Workers Day. The bipartisan LIBRARIAN Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel Perkins student loans for full-time librarians with a master's degree in library science. Librarians working full-time in low-income areas would qualify for up to 100 percent Perkins student loan forgiveness depending on their number of years of experience. "Librarians play an essential role in our schools and public libraries and help to foster a lifelong love of reading in our young people," stated Reed. "With a shortage of librarians across the country and with many more set to retire, we must urgently encourage more people to enter the library science field and work to retain valuable librarians who are already serving our communities." Cochran stated, "Access to educational resources is critical to ensuring that young people in America, regardless of income level, have every opportunity to succeed. Our nation's libraries encourage literacy and foster a love of learning in our communities. I am pleased to join Senator Reed in introducing The LIBRARIAN Act, which would support those who choose to invest in their communities by serving as librarians." According to the American Library Association (ALA), approximately 25 percent of America's school libraries do not have a state certified library media specialist on staff with a large number of librarians reaching the age of retirement. The bill's introduction marks National Library Workers Day, celebrated each year on Tuesday during National Library Week. Since 1958, the week-long celebration has commemorated the contributions of libraries, librarians, and library workers in schools, campuses, and communities nationwide. During the week, communities encourage residents to visit their local library. Language from Reed and Cochran's bill was included in S. 1614, the Higher Education Amendments of 2005, which was approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in the 109th Congress but saw no further action. Reed is a member of the Committee and will push for its inclusion in similar legislation which will soon be considered.