On behalf of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, I thank you, Mr. Fisicaro, members of the State Board of Education, and Commissioner Hespe for proclaiming April as School Library Month.

In February the New Jersey State Board of Education reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Standards alone will not improve schools and raise student achievement, nor will they narrow the achievement gap. The Common Core State Standards encourage a strong focus on deep research, and school librarians recognize their important role not just in supplying and recommending texts, but also in understanding and using information, and in thinking across the many curricular areas in the school. Likewise, a school librarian’s role is to provide literary and informational text related to mathematics and the sciences, as well as providing technologies that help students conceptualize mathematical and scientific principles. It is important that librarians assist in structuring problem solving activities that help students understand and articulate their solution process.

School libraries can no longer be regarded as warehouses; they are laboratories of learning in support of college and career readiness and of global communication skills. This proclamation substantiates that school librarians are critical partners in curriculum delivery and are the backbone for the integration of technology in instruction and professional development for school staff.

We encourage you to contact NJASL and arrange to visit one of our libraries, so you can experience firsthand how a school library impacts student learning.

Thank you once again for declaring April 2014 as School Library Month in New Jersey.

NJ Association of Student Councils representative Caitlin Slate's remarks to the State Board of Education:

"... it has been brought to my attention that the New Jersey State Board of Education will be recognizing April 2014 as School Library Month, and I have decided to take this opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of students across the state. As you know, every staff member is key in making a school successful, and a librarian is no exception. With the ever-changing ways of research and technology, the School library and its staff is the place everyone turns to, including fellow teachers, to be updated on the latest news…..It is my hope that April brings much deserved gratitude and appreciation toward the library and its staff. Thank you!"