Written by Kathy Lester, Kent ISD Librarian/Media Specialist Support Consultant

On October 1, 2024, I was honored to attend a special event at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. We celebrated Lee Middle and High School Library’s selection as the Model 21st Century School Library for the 2024-2025 school year. This recognition underscores the importance of effective school libraries as essential components of a learning community.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice, State Librarian Randy Riley, Superintendent Dr. Arnetta Thompson, Middle School Principal Ms. Adrianne Rose, and State Representative John Fitzgerald spoke at the event, praising the work of School Library Media Specialist Harry Coffill. Mr. Coffill has collaborated with students, administrators, and the community to create dynamic programs and spaces centered on students and families. State Representative Fitzgerald presented Mr. Coffill with the State of Michigan’ Special Tribute’ certificate, signed by Representative Fitzgerald, Senator Binks, Lt. Governor Gilchrist, and Governor Whitmer. The Michigan Department of Education shared a press release about the event and the award, which includes statements from Dr. Rice and Mr. Riley, including the statement, “Strong school libraries are the hub of Michigan’s schools.” Press Release Link.

The Essential Role of School Libraries

Effective school libraries are vital to K-12 education, providing equitable access to resources for all learners. Staffed with qualified professionals, these libraries foster a personalized learning environment that supports academic growth. Certified school librarians play a crucial role as instructional leaders and information specialists, guiding curricular decisions and developing resources that reflect the needs of students and educators.

These libraries prepare learners for future success by collaborating with classroom teachers, teaching information literacy skills, offering digital learning opportunities, and creating a reading culture. They elevate literacy experiences through motivational initiatives, ensuring students have access to engaging digital and print materials. Additionally, school librarians champion intellectual freedom, allowing learners to explore diverse perspectives and choose their own reading materials. Finally, effective school libraries integrate technology equitably, bridging digital divides and enhancing in-person and online learning.

Understanding the SL21 Model School Library Program

As mentioned in the press release, the “21st Century Model School Library program recognizes high-quality school libraries and library media specialists and promotes developing similar initiatives in other schools.” The Library of Michigan, an office of the Michigan Department of Education, selects the 21st Century Model School Library each year to provide a high-quality school library program as a model and mentor for school leaders, school library staff, and other educators. If you want to visit the Lee Middle and High School Library, please get in touch with Harry Coffill at hcoffill@godfrey-lee.org

Achieving Excellence: The SL21 Measurement Benchmarks

To qualify for the 21st Century Model School Library award, the school library must have earned exemplary status using the School Libraries for the 21st Century Measurement Benchmarks (SL21). The SL21 Benchmarks are a tool for measuring the quality of a school library program. School administrators and library media specialists (certified school librarians) use the benchmarks to evaluate their library programs. A school library can earn qualified or exemplary status by submitting their evaluation to the Library of Michigan. You can learn more about the SL21 Benchmarks and the SL21 Model School Library Program (including a list of other model libraries) at http://www.michigan.gov/sl21.

Elevate Your School Library with SL21!

Let’s work together to increase the number of qualified and exemplary school libraries in Kent County. If you have any questions about the SL21 Benchmarks or would like support in developing or expanding a quality school library in your school or district, please feel free to reach out to me, Kathy Lester, Kent ISD Librarian/Media Specialist Support Consultant, at kathylester.lib@gmail.com

Meet Kathy Lester, Your Blog Author

Kathy Lester is the new Kent ISD Librarian/Media Specialist Support Consultant and a retired library media specialist with 23 years of experience. Kathy is now an adjunct instructor at Wayne State University’s School of Information Science, specializing in School and Youth Librarianship. A past president of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL), she has presented at numerous national, state, and local conferences and served on many national, state, and local education, technology, and library-related committees. You can learn more at kathylester.weebly.com.

Citations:

Michigan Department of Education. (2023). School Libraries for the 21st Century Measurement Benchmarks. Library of Michigan. https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/libraryofmichigan/For-Libraries/School-Libraries/SL-21-measures-2023-version.pdf?rev=2deb078a60cf429cadb8b266fbf06c61&hash=9E9358CE144945726CD84FF9FA2E6B6C

Michigan Department of Education. (2024, October 2). Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and guests celebrate its library’s top honor. https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2024/10/02/godfrey-lee-public-schools-and-guests-celebrate-its-librarys-top-honor

This blog post was written by Kathy Lester, Librarian Media Specialist Support Consultant for Kent ISD, and edited by Amanda Walma, T&L Marketing and Communications Specialist for Kent ISD.

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