Things that are new, loud, glitzy. Libraries generally are the antithesis of all of these. They are old, familiar, quiet, and rarely call attention to themselves. We humans are so quick to confuse shadow for substance. The truth is that school libraries have a unique opportunity to support classroom learning and promote children's ability to read, research and learn.
Children often learn facts in class.
Libraries are neither a convenience nor a luxury, but essential to the growth and nourishing of young minds. Because direct federal funding to school libraries stopped in 1976. The ability to update library book collections went with it. It also explains the presence of old, musty, dusty, crumbling, insect-infested books. Money for school libraries in Philadelphia is controlled by principals.