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32 Ontario School Library Association How can we strengthen Ontario's school libraries? Ask your Member of Provincial Parliament to endorse designated library funding for every school in Ontario. Currently, funding for the school library program is at the discretion of each school and/or school board. Take action! A library is much more than books in a room A properly resourced school library program includes a teacher librarian with library qualifications, a library technician, and support staff. It also includes access to a robust digital media centre, e-resources, and a current print collection. For more information, facts, and resources on this issue, visit www.accessola.com Did you know? Only 56% of elementary schools have a teacher-librarian and most are allocated part-time? Only 19% of elementary schools in Eastern Ontario and 10% of elementary schools in Northern Ontario have teacher-librarians, compared to 92% of elementary schools in the GTA. Some schools do not have a library or a library program at all. Students who are in schools without a staffed and properly resourced library program are not receiving the same education as students who have these advantages. There has been a dramatic decline in the percentage of Ontario students who report that they "like to read." However, in schools with teacher-librarians, students were more likely to report that they enjoyed reading. ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ TingL_21.1.indd 32 13-08-08 2:51 PM