When referencing the needs for a student’s third space in school, being the school library, a perfect example was on International Women’s Day at the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center. So many time conversations, uplifting messages, and sometimes just a space to hear quiet, have a place to calm down away from constant movement, and to be surrounded by possibility is needed to get through a day.

The school library experience and presence of a school librarian can do that and does do that.

Without the collaboration of Joy Conway and Communities in Schools, as well as other faculty members, this could not be possible. School libraries are crucial to the networking needed with others to achieve amazing things.

It was exciting to see the conversations many young women needed to have with professional women that were leaders in our state, and it was fitting that this occurred in a school library setting.

I can not emphasize enough when these spaces exist equipped with a certified librarian at the minimum, how therapeutic and energizing they can be to students, sometimes to be able to get through the day.

It was a blessing to have these amazing women be a part of a process of showing a path of success to other young women. As we approach School Library Month in April. please express to your local state representative, senator, and all legislators, how vital a role a certified librarian and an official school library students can visit are in aspects many people might not immediately think about. We will keep providing examples to keep you aware of the service school libraries and librarian perform that many might not be aware of.