Pennsylvania School Librarians Association

The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) is a professional organization for school library professionals and library educators. The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association works to ensure excellence in school library programs.

Mission

The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association is dedicated to transforming teaching and learning through quality school library programs.

Vision 

A world of critically literate, connected learners

PSLA is a chapter of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

PSLA Opposes Senate Bill 1277

The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) opposes SB 1277. PSLA supports and advocates for parental involvement in their student’s reading journey and their use of school libraries. There are multiple existing policies and procedures in place allowing for the review and reconsideration of instructional material, including materials available through a school library. There are additional policies addressing the process of selecting materials for inclusion in a school library collection. The proposed bill is not only redundant, but provides no guidance on defining “sexually explicit”.   

• When a public school employs a certified school librarian, this trained professional is able to carefully select school library resources based on school board approved policies to meet the academic and literacy needs of students as well as support the procedures for parents to request reconsideration of materials.

• School librarians encourage open conversations with parents in the identification of appropriate reading choices for their children, respecting parents’ beliefs and the unique learning needs, interests, maturity and reading comprehension levels of each child. 

• Certified school librarians are able to build these transparent and open relationships with families as they follow the reading journey of students throughout their time at each school level. School librarians are able to guide students to find library books and resources consistent with family values.

PSLA strongly believes that SB 1277 will diminish local control of public school boards, burden local schools with procedures that are unnecessary and costly, and create an atmosphere that will inhibit students' intellectual freedom and first amendment rights.

(Adopted, Board of Directors, June 27, 2022)

Materials Challenge Resources 

As an affiliate of the American Library Association and the American Association of School Libraries, the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries. If you find yourself facing a challenge to library materials, click HERE to access steps to help you navigate the reconsideration process.

The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) and the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) are pleased to work together in supporting all library workers and libraries in Pennsylvania that face material and book challenges. Libraries provide access to and display a variety of materials representing a broad range of perspectives and experiences.  

PaLA and PSLA believe that libraries in PA must: 

1. Make available the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas, so that every person has the opportunity to freely read and consider information and ideas.

2. Resist any effort to censor library materials, programs, or displays by endorsing policies that serve to safeguard the principles of intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. 

3. Not exclude materials because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

4. Not proscribe or remove materials because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

We stand opposed to censorship and any effort to coerce belief, suppress opinion, or punish those whose expression does not conform to what is deemed to be orthodox in history, politics, or belief. We are committed to collaboratively supporting libraries and library workers as they uphold the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the freedom to read and learn for all library users.