The East Stroudsburg Area School District's Education Committee meeting on May 1 highlighted the transformative role of school librarians, with a strong emphasis on their impact on student success. Marjorie Golstrand, co-chair of the K-12 library department, expressed gratitude for the reinstatement of two staffing positions, which has allowed the department to overcome nearly all its challenges.

Golstrand and her colleagues showcased the evolving responsibilities of modern school librarians, emphasizing their roles as curators of both print and digital resources, facilitators of professional learning, and advocates for student literacy. They underscored that the presence of a certified school librarian is a key predictor of academic success, second only to socioeconomic factors. Research indicates that schools with librarians see significantly higher reading scores, with improvements ranging from 8% to 35% on state standardized tests.

The presentation also highlighted various successful initiatives across the district's libraries, including collaborative events like book tastings and author visits, as well as innovative programs integrating STEM education. The librarians' commitment to fostering community partnerships and enhancing digital literacy was evident, reinforcing their essential role in supporting both students and teachers.

As the meeting concluded, the librarians' enthusiasm for their work and the positive outcomes of their programs left a lasting impression, signaling a bright future for library services within the East Stroudsburg Area School District.