About 1 in 7 libraries offers homework assistance programs for children and young adults. Only 30 percent have computers for use by children and teens. Facts School Libraries Elementary school libraries have all but disappeared in some school districts. As a rule, this does not mean that the rooms and shelves of books have disappeared, but there is no professional staff to assist teachers and students with learning. In some districts, library media specialists are stretched among two, three or more schools.
Collections are often much out of date with little available funding for replacement.
Only about 11 percent of elementary school and 21 percent of high school libraries are connected to the Internet. Public school enrollment in grades K-12 is expected to rise 20 percent between 1990 and 2004. What you can do Upgraded public and school library services are essential for all American youth from infancy to age 18 if they are to become literate and productive citizens. It is up to parents and everyone who cares about children to voice their support for libraries to policymakers, legislators and community leaders at all levels. Expand funding available to libraries in areas such as prevention programs for at-risk children and literacy programs to help their parents become better readers.