Public Meeting Calls for Urgent Action on NYC School Librarian Shortage

A public meeting held on April 8, 2025, addressed the alarming shortage of certified librarians in New York City schools. Advocates stressed the need for robust legislation to ensure that every public school has access to certified librarians. Currently, out of approximately 1,600 public schools, only around 260 employ certified librarians, creating significant gaps in educational resources for students.

Speakers highlighted that the lack of certified librarians directly affects literacy rates, research skills, and overall student success. They called for the introduction of Bill Intro 1125, which mandates the Department of Education to report on library access across schools. This bill aims to provide essential data to reveal the extent of the shortfall and push for accountability from school administrators. Testimonies during the meeting indicated that schools lacking librarians deprive students of vital learning resources and support.

One speaker, a retired educator with over three decades of experience, pointed out that the majority of top-performing New York City schools have certified librarians, contrasting sharply with institutions that do not prioritize hiring these professionals. In a notable illustration, a former student recounted how a librarian at their school had significantly influenced their relationship with reading by introducing books that reflected their identity. Testimonies emphasized that without librarians, many students, especially those from low-income neighborhoods, struggle to find appropriate resources for academic success.

The meeting’s participants included both educators and students, many of whom recounted personal experiences that underscored the importance of school libraries in their educational journeys. Testimony revealed a stark statistic: over 80% of public schools in New York City do not have a dedicated librarian, and around 30% lack any library access whatsoever. This disparity raises critical questions about equity in education and access to resources.

The proposed bill, Intro 1125, is seen as a crucial step not only for collecting data but also for ensuring that the city meets its legal obligations regarding school libraries. New York State mandates that every secondary school must have a certified librarian, yet many institutions fall short of this requirement. The meeting prompted advocates to push for stronger city policies to guarantee that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to certified librarians (Source: https://youtu.be/mgS4j4JOkGw&t=13703).

In earlier coverage, it was noted that New York City has lost approximately 80% of its certified librarians over the past two decades, a loss that has severely impacted educational services in schools (Source: https://youtu.be/mgS4j4JOkGw&t=18632). The support from educators and community members for Intro 1125 continues to grow, as many see it as a vital tool for improving literacy and academic outcomes in schools citywide.