School Library Partnerships
As of January 2022, the OLC’s School Library Partnerships program is home to the work founded and formerly led by Friends of Oakland Public School Libraries (FOPSL).
School libraries are a vital part of education
A comprehensive 2018 study of school libraries found that student achievement increased with investment in library services, even controlling for factors like poverty level, ethnicity, and percentage of English language learners. Crucially, school libraries are true partners in literacy instruction by providing barrier-free access to specially curated, high-interest reading materials. Reading scores directly correlate to the presence or absence of a librarian, and these scores are shown to improve progressively from elementary to high school when schools employ full-time librarians.
About library standards
In 2010, the California Dept of Education published the California Model School Library Standards (MSLS). These standards articulate information-literacy-related learning outcomes by grade level that will provide the ideal foundation for research-based inquiry, a key college preparedness indicator. The MSLS also addresses library staffing recommendations as well as standards for collection age, size, and breadth of resources. For a multitude of reasons, including the fact there is no designated state funding for school library services, most public schools in California far fall below the metrics recommended in the MSLS.
To learn more about the School Library Partnerships program or find out how we can support your school library, please contact team@oaklandliteracycoalition.org.
Latest updates
How We Work to Support School Libraries:
Fundraising & Grants for Libraries
We support OUSD libraries with book, technology and library program grants.
Libraries need new books to stay relevant and appealing, but schools do not have sufficient money for new books.
Our Books Kids Want to Read Program helps libraries replace lost and worn books, buy books students request and buy new books from popular series.
Books Kids Want to Read ApplicationOUSD Digital Library
Fundraising and promotion for the OUSD Digital Library
The OUSD digital library (Sora) provides an essential literacy tool on an ongoing basis, because it allows students to select books to read every day, including days when school is not open and school libraries are not available.
FOPSL worked with OUSD to launch the digital library in 2020 and provides ongoing fundraising and awareness building for the program.
Visit OUSD Digital LibraryAwareness Building
Raising Awareness For Library Services
We created the Library Asset Map, an asset map of school library services across OUSD schools, and use our newsletter, forums, and communications platforms to share information about bright spots, challenges, and ways to support our public school libraries.
If you would like to receive SLP newsletters, use the link below and check the “School Library Partnerships (formerly FOPSL) program news” option in the “I would like to receive…” section.
Sign Up for NewslettersLibrary Volunteering
If you love school libraries...
We would love to work with you!
Our skilled, fun and friendly group of volunteers help school library staff with inventories, shelving, shelf-reading, book repair, processing, and circulation support during class visits.
No experience is necessary!
Why School Libraries Matter:
School libraries are essential for our students to learn, thrive, and succeed.
School Libraries Build Literacy
Research demonstrates that a critical way to build literacy is access to books. School libraries are more accessible than public libraries, because they are right down the hall.
Student-Focused
The library is where students are encouraged to follow their own interests and drive their own learning.
College & Career Readiness
How will students navigate college libraries if they’ve gone from kindergarten through senior year without access to a school library?
Educational Equity
74% of Oakland students are living in poverty. The absence of school libraries most deeply affects students living in poverty.
Donate to Support School Libraries
Your donations are vital to our work supporting, advocating, and bringing additional books and resources to Oakland’s public school libraries.
If you would prefer to donate to support school libraries via check, please make it out to the Oakland Literacy Coalition and write “School Library Partnerships” in the memo line. Please mail checks to our office: 2744 E 11th Street, Suite A10, Oakland CA 94601.
Make a Donation To Support School Libraries
Become a Sustaining Supporter
Monthly donations are essential for sustaining our work and programs. As a sustaining supporter, you’ll be part of our virtual book club and receive recommendations from the Oakland Literacy Coalition community on the books that we are currently reading and loving!