ABOUT
Why This Campaign Exists
A note from the founder of Schools Need Librarians, Michelle Rancic — a parent who started looking into the reduction in Librarians, then started a campaign.
I am the parent of a first grader in the Montclair Public School district in Montclair, New Jersey. Last year our district cut its last School Librarian during a budget crisis. Montclair spent years undervaluing and underinvesting in its School Library Program and in one budget cycle completely eliminated it districtwide.
I was born in Brasil and English is my second language. Growing up, I found escape and comfort in books. But access to them didn't come easy. We didn't have a lot of money, my mother didn't know what books to pick out and transportation to the public library was challenging. Fortunately, my school had a School Library and a School Librarian who gave me access to all the books I wanted and needed. But those books weren't just entertainment. They played a critical role in developing the English & literacy skills that later allowed me to attend college and build a successful career.
When the last School Librarian position disappeared from my own child's district, I did what I usually do — I started reading. What I found was not just a Montclair story.
Our children and young adults are in the midst of a Literacy Crisis. Reading scores are lower than they have ever been and reading for pleasure is collapsing. Since 2010, while technology overwhelmed students' education and personal time, New Jersey eliminated over 30% of its School Librarians — the educators whose primary job it is to build readers & teach information literacy.
I'm just a parent, not an expert. My research reminded me of why School Library Programs are such an integral part of a well-rounded education. But it also surprised me with a lot of ways the profession has changed over the years and why it is something that is even more important to our children and young adults' education than it was 30 years ago.
I created this group and built this campaign to help spread the word and invite you to join me in ensuring that this critical resource is available to all of New Jersey's students.
Michelle RancicFOUNDER · SCHOOLS NEED LIBRARIANS
The campaign, in short
Education first
The goal is awareness and engagement through knowledge, not just petition signatures — which is why this site walks through the research before it asks for anything.
New Jersey, statewide
Started in Montclair, now tracking cuts and organizing parents in districts across the state, from small K–6 districts to the largest high schools.
Parent-led
Run by parents, for parents — not a lobbying firm or a union. The campaign needs people in every district collecting signatures and tracking budgets.
Get in touch
Questions, press inquiries, or want to help organize in your district?
Hear from people who have spoken up
Parents, librarians and community members have told their stories to boards and state officials. Read them, and add your own.
Personal Testimonies