PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined students, educators, and librarians from across the state at George J. West Elementary School in Providence to discuss the importance of strong school libraries.  Studies show strong school library programs increase student achievement regardless of socio-economic factors.

Senator Reed wants every child to have access to a good school library and delivered $28.6 million for school libraries and literacy programs in this year’s Appropriations law.  The funding will be distributed in competitive grants by the U.S Department of Education.  Senator Reed urges all eligible school libraries in Rhode Island to compete for the federal funding.

Over the years, school libraries in Providence, Central Falls, Newport, and Woonsocket have received over $1.4 million in competitive grant funding from Reed’s Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program to improve their book collections, purchase computers, and upgrade technology.

“School libraries are essential to giving every student the opportunity to succeed, especially those who don’t have access to books or computers at home.  School libraries strengthen our children’s reading and analytical skills and teach them to effectively use information, technology, and ideas.  In order to improve our schools, we need to invest in school libraries,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee and the author of the Improving Literacy Though School Libraries program, the only federal program specifically geared toward providing funds for school libraries.

“It’s frightening to think of where libraries would be without Senator Reed’s support—all libraries, not just school libraries.  He understands that libraries are much more than books—they are places of opportunity.  Opportunities for all.  Libraries level the playing field and give reasons for all to hope, to dream, to survive,” said Library Board of Rhode Island member Phyllis A. Humphrey.

“On behalf of the Providence Public Schools, I’d like to thank Senator Reed for his exceptional work to champion libraries and literacy,” said Providence Schools Superintendent Susan Lusi.  “A focus on increasing literacy must be tied into learning across all grade levels, in all subject areas, for our students to succeed.  We are hopeful that this competitive grant will allow Providence an opportunity to shore up our library resources to better attain that goal.”

“Senator Jack Reed’s push to invest in school libraries has paid off for Newport Public School (NPS) students.  Our grant funding enabled NPS to join RILINK, an interactive, web-based school library catalog which provides resource sharing among all its members. The perks include free pick-up and delivery of member library materials and access to electronic resources such as World Book and full-text K-12 magazine and newspaper articles.  Students with Internet access can find all these resource 24/7 by conducting a single search in our school catalog.  There is even a Visual Catalog component enabling our emergent readers to independently search for resources.  Never have so many reliable resources been available so quickly to our students.  Thank you Senator Reed!" said Jane Perry, an elementary school librarian for Newport Public Schools.

Last year, U.S. Department of Education Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sought to zero out funding for the Improving Literacy Though School Libraries Program -- the only federal program specifically geared toward providing funds for school libraries.  However, Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, with strong grassroots support from educators, parents, and students, was able to secure $28.6 million in federal funds for school libraries and literacy programs in the fiscal year 2012 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which President Obama signed into law on December 23, 2011.

“I think it is critical to have a focused federal investment in effective school library programs that will help ensure that more schools have the high-tech resources they need and certified librarians who can work with students and teachers.  But we can’t guarantee money for this program in the future,” noted Reed.

But proving that there is bipartisan support for investing in school libraries, Senator Reed and Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) have teamed up to introduce the bipartisan Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLS) Act, which would renew the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  The SKILLS Act will boost literacy and career and college readiness by supporting school libraries in elementary, middle, and high schools; encouraging coordination and shared planning time among school librarians and classroom teachers; expanding professional development to include digital literacy instruction that is appropriate for all grade levels; and ensuring that library books and materials are appropriate for and gain the interest of students with special learning needs, including English learners.