LAUSD TO VOTE ON BUDGET THAT CLOSES SCHOOL LIBRARIES: LAUSD Library Aides rally to speak up for students and their access to school libraries

to 4LAKids from angry school librarians!

(Many, Most, A majority of) school libraries in LAUSD will be closed for the 2011-2012 school year because Superintendent John Deasy and the School Board led by President Monica Garcia have chosen not to fund them.

Funding for school libraries must be restored in the district’s budget. 

Research shows that strong school libraries contribute to increased student achievement. If the district is to attain Deasy’s goal of being “The Best in the West” and “#1 in the Nation,” libraries will be needed to contribute to the progress and achievement of students. Libraries are a necessity, not a luxury.

• For many students the school library is the only one they use for books, computer use, and internet access. 
• They do not go to the public library. 
• Fifty-eight percent of the district’s students do not have computers or internet access at home.
• Unless individual schools can find monies in their drastically cut budget, the library will not be open with trained library personnel as required by the California Education Code. 

• Students and teachers will not have access to a library collection developed specifically for that school’s population and to supports the curriculum.

WHAT: Library Aides and CSEA will rally and march to protest the lack of central funding to keep school libraries open for the 2011-2012 school year. Over 5,000 letters from parents, students, and community members will be delivered to the school board.

WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, June 14
11:00 am - Gratts EL School gathering and preparation
309 Lucas Ave, Los Angeles, 90017
11:30 am - March  to school board meeting
12:00 noon - Rally at LAUSD headquarters
333 S. Beaudry Ave, Los Angeles 
1:00 pm - Speakers at the Board Meeting

WHY: All students need school libraries opened with trained library personnel. For many students this is the only library they use. LAUSD has not included funding for school libraries in the 2011-2012 budget. Over 5,000 letters from parents and community members will be given to the school board.