-
Ben Franklin Recommends School Libraries
Ben Franklin identified school libraries as a key element in the ideal educational setting. -
First School Library
The Penn Charter School in Philadelphia sets aside a specially designed room as the library. Photo: www.newsworks.org -
States Pass Laws Developing School Libraries
By 1876, 19 states (about half at that time) had passed laws allowing for the development of school libraries. A total of 826 school libraries were listed in a U.S. Office of Education report that year. Photo: www.atarlife.com -
First School Librarian
The first professionally trained librarian was appointed in 1900. Mary Kingsbury took the helm at the Erasmus High School library in Brooklyn, NY. Photo: sites.google.com -
School Libraries Number 10,000
A U.S. Office of Education reports the existence of about 10.000 school libraries. Most of these libraries, however, contain less than 3,000 books. Photo: londonstudio.wordpress.com -
Secondary School Libraries Expand
In the mid 1920's, high schools seeking accreditation are required to have a library run by a trained librarian. This sparks a boom in secondary libraries. Elementary school standards are published in 1925, but most elementary libraries are still housed in individual classrooms. Photo: www.excelhighschool.com -
Sputnik Satellite Launched
In response to the Soviet Union launching Sputnik, Congress authorizes additional funds to purchase supplemental library materials. Photo: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov -
ESEA Passes
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act passes in 1965. Title II of this law allocates funds for purchasing library materials. Photo: edreformnow.org -
School Libraries Face Challenges
Funding for libraries decreases in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Some schools eliminate professional librarians or requirements that librarians hold teacher certification. These battles are still being waged today. Photo: www.tsl.texas.gov -
World Wide Web Goes Live
The World Wide Web ushered the Internet into the public's consciousness and forever changed the way people access information and, consequently, how they use libraries. Photo: www.dreamstime.com -
Information Power Published
The concept of information literacy came to the forefront with the publication of "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning." Photo: louisdietvorst.wordpress.com -
A Place for Inquiry and Collaboration
School libraries today are spaces that foster inquiry learning and collaboration with peers. Photo: www.cea-ace.ca
