A School Librarian in Every School: Why Delaware Needs a School Library Ratio Law

For more than a decade, educators, parents, and library advocates have been working toward a simple goal: every student in Delaware should have access to a school library staffed by a certified school librarian.

That goal has been recommended repeatedly in statewide studies and planning efforts. As far back as the 2016 Delaware School Libraries Master Plan, we knew that strong school library programs are directly linked to higher student achievement and recommended requiring a school library and certified librarian in every school.

Yet today, Delaware still lacks a statewide requirement ensuring that every school has a library program staffed by a professional librarian. As a result, many schools operate without dedicated library staff, students rely on outdated collections, and teachers often try to fill the gap themselves.

The proposed Delaware School Library Standards and Ratio Bill would finally change that.

Beginning in the 2030–2031 school year, the legislation would establish clear standards to ensure that every public school provides students with access to a modern school library program.

School Librarians Matter

School libraries are not simply rooms filled with books. They are instructional spaces where students develop the reading, research, and critical thinking skills needed for academic success. Research consistently shows that schools with certified school librarians see stronger student outcomes. Students with access to full-time school librarians are nearly three times more likely to achieve advanced writing scores compared to students in schools without librarians.

School librarians help students:

• Build strong reading habits and improve literacy

• Learn research and information literacy skills

• Evaluate online information and media

• Discover books that reflect their identities and experiences

• Access technology and digital resources for learning

In Delaware, the number of school librarians has steadily declined. Many districts now rely on teachers, paraprofessionals, or volunteers to manage library spaces. This means thousands of students are missing out on the benefits of a fully staffed school library program.

Our draft legislation creates a new chapter in Delaware education law focused specifically on school libraries.  It establishes clear expectations for school library programs, staffing, and statewide coordination. There are five key features of the proposal.

1. Every school should have a library program
2. There would be a certified librarian in every school with over 200 students
3. Librarians would be empowered as instructional partners
4. Districts would be allowed flexibility to implement the ratio
5. New statewide support for School Library Programs would be deployed

Delaware is facing serious literacy challenges. Only about one-third of third graders read at grade level, and adult literacy rates remain a concern statewide. School libraries are a powerful and proven part of the solution. Delaware has invested tremendous state and federal funding in expanding access to books and digital resources through the Delaware Library Consortium, allowing students statewide to access millions of materials. But without librarians to guide students and teachers in using these resources, the full potential of that investment cannot be realized.

Ensuring that every school has a library and a certified librarian is one of the most practical steps Delaware can take to strengthen literacy, improve educational equity, and support student success. The research is clear, and Delaware has already taken important steps to expand access to books and digital resources.

Now it is time to ensure that every student has access to the professional expertise that makes school libraries work.

The Delaware Library Association and the Friends of Delaware Libraries are asking advocates across the state to speak up in support of the Delaware Libraries Legislative Agenda. Your message helps show lawmakers that Delaware residents support investments in literacy, school libraries, and library services across the state.

Please take a moment to send a message to your state Representative and Senator, urging them to support the Delaware Libraries this legislative session. Send your message here:
https://www.delawarelibrarychampions.org/fy27_legislative_agenda

When legislators hear from their constituents, it makes a difference. Your voice can help ensure that every Delaware student has access to the resources and the professional guidance they need to succeed.