AN EDUCATIONAL CUP OF TEA

The Librarian as a Master Educator

A misconception about librarians that really bothers me is that being a librarian is about hanging out behind a counter to check out books all day. Librarians are Master Educators with advanced degrees in Library Science! They are a valuable resource for any campus. They create wonderful lessons for students and can model strong instructional techniques for teachers. Their classroom just happens to be the library. (Actually, they are also great for coming to your classroom and co-teaching a lesson.)

Additionally, they are pioneers in digital learning. Long before “digital learning coach” was a title, school librarians were managing computer labs, teaching students how to use research databases, sharing new digital tools, and introducing concepts of digital citizenship. Even now, I geek out with our Library Media Services Coordinator over new tech tools and exciting (and appropriate) uses of AI in the classroom. This is important because so many budget cuts have forced districts to sacrifice their digital learning coaches on campuses. The OGs are still around: librarians!

The Public Library – A Community Hub

As the campus library is a hub for learning in a school, so is the public library for the community it supports. I am fortunate to live in a large city with a fantastic library system. I am willing to bet many city library systems are similar. For starters, libraries are a safe, welcoming space for everyone, regardless of age or background. They provide access to so many resources in addition to books, movies, and music: free, reliable computer and internet access for job searches, homework, and connection.

When my boys were young and we were home during the summer, we always visited the library at least once a week for programs aimed specifically at children. We would visit the “big library” (Central) on occasion because they have an entire floor dedicated to children. The boys could draw on a chalk walk, play with blocks, color, complete puzzles, attend reading time, and check out books of course. Although my boys are teenagers now, we still attend library events – they even started a D&D club at the library.

Unlocking the Library’s Online Treasure Chest

Aside from the advantages of having Master Educators in librarians and a fantastic community hub with public libraries, I am incredibly passionate about how underrated the digital resources provided by libraries are:

• Free Ebooks & Audiobooks: My long drive home in Dallas traffic is made so much more pleasant with the audiobooks I get through Libby, and I often find the digital versions of comic books for the Dallas Comic Book Club through Hoopla.
• Professional Development: My district has an entire online library dedicated to professional learning books for teachers – how incredible is that? The best part is that chapters can be shared with a link making it more accessible to share learning with peers.
• Powerful Databases: Both district and public libraries provide a wealth of knowledge through the plethora of databases. This matters because without a library account, many of the resources would cost a lot of money.
• Images, Music, and Movies: Hoopla is also good for movies! I love this because I’ve been able to find older movies that I cannot find on other streaming services without paying. Also, when working with students who are designing presentations, online databases provide safe and usable images without worrying about violating copyright laws.
• Online Learning: My library provides access to LinkedIn Learning which is HUGE for people who are wanting to grow professionally on a limited budget.

It is almost overwhelming when you start thinking about all the things a library provides and how librarians can support it all. It definitely is more than just shelving books.

Support Librarians – Don’t Persecute Them

There are so many things happening to librarians and libraries right now that break my heart. Librarians and their advocates are exhibiting a strength I greatly admire in fighting back. Personally:

• I DO believe that reading is freedom.
• I DO believe that libraries are central to creating culturally diverse and safe communities.
• I DO believe that every school should have a dedicated librarian.
• I DO believe that libraries create equity by providing access to resources for everyone.
• I DO believe that librarians are Master Educators who should be treated as a valuable resource.

There are many ways you can show your support for librarians and libraries:

• September is Library Card Sign-up Month: This is a nationwide push to get people to sign up for a library card. Help students sign up in their local community. See if you can sign up for cards in the city where you work. This helps expands access to resources.
• October 5 – 11 is Banned Books Week: an annual event that highlights the value of free and open access to information. If it wasn’t obvious already, I am against banning (and burning) books. Only those who want to repress the masses keep information from them.
• October 19-25 is National Friends of Libraries Week: a week-long celebration in honoring the volunteers and supporters who help fund and advocate for libraries. Because many libraries are city run, there are limits to budgets and such. Friends of Libraries organizations help by filling gaps. I recently joined Friends of the Dallas Public Library. I am excited to get more involved in all they do.

Along with these important events in the fall, April is a big month for supporting librarians:

• School Library Month
• April 4 – School Librarian Day
• April 16 – National Librarian Day
• April 19-25, 2026 – National Library Week

You don’t have to wait for these days to celebrate though. I encourage everyone to thank their librarian often. I encourage everyone to visit their local library (and join if not already a member). Ask your campus librarian to work with you to create lessons for students and not only for research projects. Advocate for library resources and staffing to keep this a position of value. Work with organizations to keep libraries open in the community.

How do you celebrate librarians and libraries? I would love for you to share in the Comments below.