I think teachers should allow students to choose what they read. Not always, but at least when they take the weekly trip to the library. If students have the opportunity to chose their own books, the thrill of the hunt will be that much more intense. Even if it is a goofy cartoon series, it is still reading and students will have the opportunity to practice reading and enjoy themselves at the same time. I also think teachers should chose some books for their students to read.
Teachers are more familiar with classics and quality literature for children.
Students might not run into these books on their own. Thinking back on these past experiences with language, reading and writing, have helped me to make decisions on what I will be doing in my classroom as a teacher. I will make sure each child is making progress in their reading practices. So many students, like myself, slip through the cracks and end up in upper elementary classes without knowing how to read. I will set up time to work with each child individually and chart progress and note difficulties.