Aking with Representative Morrison visiting Woodbridge High on May 10th, we also had the pleasure of Representative Baumbach. Representative Baumbach has been no stranger to what libraries can offer immediate communities and supporting librarianship in general.

From announcing and recognizing the value of librarians during library week (April 7- 14th)

to previously addressing the need for a school librarian available to every school

It is vital that schools are also considered in this process as often, enough units are not available to schools to allow a certified librarian, as well as the availability of certified librarians to fill the positions that would be required for schools to obtain is a dilemma, and it is not difficult to see that the roadblocks and hurdles that the state has previously put in front of school librarianship has hurt this process from both ends.

But there are paths forward. Returning a position of representation for school libraries at the Department of Education, finding investments to allow educators to pursue a path of certification in a school library, providing the opportunity to recognize and fill such positions in every school, as well as educating the general public on new roles of the school librarian in presenting paths of leadership, financial support, employment in vocational and collegiate areas of study for their future, securing scholarship and recognition through literacy and reading scholarship and connecting students to paths in technology careers and more women in STEM occupations, are just a portion of what will result.

Literacy comes in all shapes and forms, and school librarians are the center of connecting what various areas of the curriculum present in the class to what is practical and what can be implemented outside of class. Deepening and connecting real world connections to what is learned enhances the education and power of colleagues throughout the school and a deeper education and menu of possibilities for all students is what can be the result. As far back as 2007 we knew this from research and the need for literacy in vocational, community, and public arenas has only increased.

We learned from Representative Baumbach his passion is tennis and libraries, which have been a part of his life from an early age on. His support of libraries recognizes the many purposes of libraries, be it public or private.

In 2022 again, as every year, the power of libraries and what they can do to pave a road forward for educators as well as students is often misunderstood. Recognizing that we need guides to support and utilize technology in the right way is vital as Senate Bill 195 has stated. Not many recognize the power school librarians can and do have, in the same vein as nurses and counselors, and yet this occurs on a higher level with school librarians present and on the scene.

We arte grateful for Representative Baumbach being the eyes and ears of the realities of how school librarians make or break the status of a school and enhance them. Being a champion of libraries has not just been a book thing, but a success thing for many student’s futures. We need to grow this reality across the state, and with supporters like Representative Baumbach we can continue to PR this message and the reality of this is possible. Our students ate the best representation of this with their success!