[Libs-Or] Oregon PTA Passes Resolution for Stronger School Libraries

Wed Apr 29 08:56:44 PDT 2026

Please pardon the cross posting. The action items below are aimed at school library staff, but there may be ways you can promote the value of strong school library programs with parents and patrons in your libraries. - Best, Jen (Jen Maurer, School Library Consultant, State Library of Oregon, jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov>)

Hi, folks. I am sharing this on behalf of Jean Gritter, OASL<https://www.olaweb.org/oasl-home> Advocacy Representative (advocacy at oasl.olaweb.org<mailto:advocacy at oasl.olaweb.org>):

The Oregon PTA reached out to OASL late last year to let us know that they were interested in passing a resolution at their general assembly in April of this year in support of school library programs, and to ask for input on what school library programs needed in order to bring the most benefit to students. Several OASL board members worked with the PTA advocacy representative as this resolution was drafted, and they were also invited to speak at the PTA assembly last weekend before that group took their vote. The resolution was voted in unanimously! We deeply appreciate the support of the Oregon PTA for school library programs across the state.

OASL is working with OLA to try to leverage that support. In the meantime, library staff are encouraged to share about the school library program and its value at PTA/PTO meetings and events and other opportunities that reach parents and guardians of students. Do parents know the great things you are doing through the library? Your library's needs? Do they understand how the library program supports literacy initiatives? Surprisingly, there can be a disconnect in that understanding. Do they realize that information literacy instruction is provided or missing depending on the level of staffing? Etc.

Thanks.

[https://d3dkdvqff0zqx.cloudfront.net/groups/orpta/images/Advocacy%20Alert%20(New%20LinkedIn%20Banner)(1).png]

  +++ Also in this alert: Updated advocacy platform passed by membership (below) +++

"Oregon needs strong school libraries" - new Oregon PTA resolution

Oregon currently ranks near the bottom nationally for the number of licensed librarians in its public schools, with a ratio of 3,700 students per librarian compared to a national average of 1,300 despite the fact that schools with a school library staffed by a licensed school librarian have a high impact on increasing student achievement regardless of socio-economic or education levels of the community (2023-24 data).

To address this issue, Oregon PTA's annual membership convention on Saturday passed a resolution for stronger school libraries in Oregon<https://www.oregonpta.org/assets/pages/files/Oregon_PTA_School_Library_Resolution_April_2026.pdf>.

By passing the resolution,

Oregon PTA affirms the critical importance of robust school libraries staffed by licensed school librarians and supported by classified library staff, acknowledging library staff's indispensable contributions in supporting and enriching curriculum, advancing literacy, ensuring equitable access to books, cultivating a love of reading and inquiry, and equipping students with the critical thinking skills needed for lifelong learning.

Oregon PTA commits to advocating

  *   for every school in Oregon to have the appropriate number of full-time licensed librarians and library support staff to ensure equitable, consistent, and meaningful access to high-quality library instruction, services, and collections (with a standard of one full-time licensed librarian to 500 students plus adequate support staff in each district)
  *   for increased state funding to provide sufficient ongoing funds for the purchase of print and digital resources to give library staff the ability to renew and update collections of current, diverse, high quality, and high interest materials that meet the needs of a broad range of learners.
  *   for the need to integrate library programs across state strategies to improve student outcomes, and to invest in these programs for the benefit of our children

Read the full resolution <https://www.oregonpta.org/assets/pages/files/Oregon_PTA_School_Library_Resolution_April_2026.pdf>

Curious about library staffing in your district?
Open the interactive map below to learn more!
[https://d3dkdvqff0zqx.cloudfront.net/groups/orpta/images/6spQr-library-staff-fte-to-student-ratio-2023-24.jpg]<https://www.datawrapper.de/_/6spQr/>

Updated Oregon PTA Advocacy Platform

At the 2026 Oregon PTA convention, members also approved an updated advocacy platform (aka "Legislatve Platform") outlining our advocacy goals and positions.

The platform is anchored in five core tenets:

I. No child should go hungry.
II. No child should grow up in poverty.
III. No child should be harmed by violence.
IV. All children should have access to free education.
V. All children should have access to free healthcare.

Based on our shared mission, Oregon PTA is advocating for "Creating Great Schools for All" and "Protecting and Enhancing the Well-Being of Our Children" with 21 subsections such as

  *   Well-rounded education with a whole-child perspective
  *   Welcoming, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students
  *   Family engagement
  *   School governance
  *   School funding
  *   Basic needs
  *   Consumer protection
  *   Safe and positive media experiences
  *   State governance

outlining positions in specific policy areas.

Full Legislative Platform <https://www.oregonpta.org/assets/pages/files/Oregon_PTA_Legislative_Platform_2026-28.pdf>
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