I have to tell you, I'm a little disappointed. Just about 2 weeks ago, Joyce Valenza asked the world to show their support for school libraries but signing a petition. That's all. She didn't ask for blood, a first born child or even a cup of sugar. And yet, here we are, 2 weeks later and we don't have nearly enough signatures.
So... here's the deal.
If you think that any school receiving Federal funds should be required to have a credentialed School Librarian on staff full time with a library that contains a minimum of 18 books per student, and I certainly hope you do, you should sign this petition.
Bottom line? We need 23,500 signatures to get this petition to the President's desk - keeping in mind that this is the same kind of petition that helped fuel recent changes to student loan laws. This is important. What's more, it's entirely doable, but only if we get off our duffs and a) sign the petition and b) ask our friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
When Joyce issued her call to arms, there were a little over 1,000 signatures. Two weeks later, we should have well over 23,000, but instead, as I write this, we're barely touching 8,500.
As I said, I'm a little disappointed.
I started this blog because I believe that my students deserve the highest quality library services. I believe they deserve access to a fully funded library and a highly qualified librarian to learn from and with. Two years ago, when the educational world started to turn upside down and I saw libraries/librarians as first on the chopping block, I knew I couldn't wait around for someone else to save libraries for my students. I knew that I would have to step out of my comfort zone, start speaking up on behalf of my students and be my own superhero. Thus, library girl was born.
So... I've signed the petition. I've asked my friends and family to do the same. I've posted it on twitter, Facebook and even a listserv or two. But I can't do it alone.
So, grab your cape, hop in the book mobile and do your part to help save libraries. Deep down we're all super heroes. Don't let apathy be your kryptonite!
Sign. Post. Tweet. Repeat.
