Efforts Underway to Restore School Libraries to Enhance Reading Access and Freedom

As Banned Book Week unfolds, New York City confronts a growing wave of efforts to restrict freedom of speech and impose book bans. In June, the New York State Legislature passed the Freedom to Read Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding school libraries and the professionals who manage them. This law is particularly relevant in the current climate marked by groups advocating for censorship, such as Moms for Liberty, framing it as a crucial defense against encroachments on intellectual freedom.

Efforts to protect libraries underscore the need to prioritize these essential institutions where students can experience the transformative power of reading. Alarmingly, nearly 40% of book challenges emerge from school libraries, illustrating the contentious nature of these educational spaces. Recent trends indicate that school libraries have increasingly become targets, with their value diminished amidst educational budget cuts and policy negligence. This decline is evident; prior to the onset of Project 2025, New York City witnessed a significant reduction in its school library infrastructure.

In 2021, a public school in the city lost its librarian, a change that affected both the resources available and crucial programming designed to enhance literacy. In response, a group of concerned parents launched the campaign “Librarians = Literacy,” aimed at reinstating school librarians in New York City public schools. It appears there is widespread support for school libraries in New York, with many community members and policymakers professing to champion intellectual freedom. However, the reality reflects a troubling trend where libraries and the librarians who manage them have been undervalued and systematically diminished.

The decline is stark: in 2005, nearly 1,500 librarians served approximately 1,600 public schools in the city. By 2023, that number had plummeted to about 260, raising concerns about access to vital library services, especially in underserved communities. A well-functioning school library overseen by a skilled librarian has proven significant benefits for student outcomes, including improved literacy rates and preparation for post-secondary education.

In an age rife with misinformation, school librarians play a pivotal role in educating students on media literacy and critical research skills. They curate diverse collections that reflect and validate the experiences of all students, equipping them to navigate a complex information landscape. While public libraries remain valuable resources, they cannot replace the unique accessibility and support provided by school libraries, particularly for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The erosion of school libraries represents a severe form of censorship that potentially affects entire communities. To foster an environment of intellectual freedom, it is imperative to invest in literacy initiatives and ensure the revival of school libraries as centers for learning and growth. Acknowledgment of the problem is a vital first step. Recent legislative efforts, such as the passage of the Librarians Count Law, mark progress toward accountability by mandating reporting on the status of school libraries and librarians.

Activists are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Freedom to Read Act into law and extend funding for existing state mandates regarding school libraries. Furthermore, there is a call to ensure that future city leadership fully supports the restoration and enhancement of school library services. As the campaign for certified librarians and functional libraries continues, the hope is that every student in New York can share the experience of Banned Books Week in collaboration with a school librarian, secure in their rights to read freely.

These efforts highlight the critical importance of libraries in fostering a culture of inquiry and access to information, ensuring that future generations can learn and grow in an environment rich with diverse perspectives and knowledge.