More than books: Why school libraries and librarians matter

Every August, during Children’s Book Week, Australian School Library Day (ASLD) shines a light on the heartbeat of many school communities: the school library. ASLD celebrates libraries not just as places of books, but as vibrant centres of imagination, wellbeing, learning, and connection.

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Yet behind the joy of library storytelling sessions and lunchtime book hunts lies a stark reality: not every school in Australia has access to a well-resourced, professionally staffed library. In a time when literacy levels are a national concern and misinformation floods our digital spaces, the presence of trained school library staff has never been more critical.

The lifelong impact of a librarian

For writer, book reviewer and librarian Emily Paull, the school library was more than a quiet place to read—it was a sanctuary that shaped her life.

“I was this strange, talkative, bookish child… and they seemed to take me seriously,” she recalls. “They were always happy to talk about books with me, and help me find what to read, and I don’t think they ever discouraged me from trying to read anything if that was where my interest was taking me.”

In primary school, Emily was so inspired by her librarians—Miss Stefani and Mrs Munday—that she became a library assistant in Year 7. “I still have the badge,” she says with a smile.

Her librarians didn’t just nurture her reading; they encouraged her creativity, proudly displaying a poem she wrote in Year 3 throughout the library. “They encouraged my writing, and I don’t know that any writing achievement I ever have from now on will ever feel as good as that.”

That encouragement helped plant the seeds of a literary future. Emily is now a published author and librarian, a living testament to the impact a school library can have.

Award-winning poet and educator Natalie Damjanovich-Napoleon shares a similar story. Though she doesn’t remember her librarians’ names, she remembers their passion.

“A librarian recommended this book to me when I was 12 called A Rag, A Bone and a Hank of Hair by Nicholas Fisk,” she says. “A good librarian asks you questions to find out what your interests are before recommending books that may be up your alley. I told them I liked sci-fi and Star Wars and they sent me in this direction. The book was written decades ago, but it just blew my mind.”

For both Emily and Natalie, their librarians were not just gatekeepers of knowledge, but trusted guides who introduced them to new ideas and nurtured their curiosity.

Beyond reading: What school libraries really do

The benefits of school libraries extend far beyond book borrowing. They are:

• Literacy lifelines: With one in three Australian students not meeting NAPLAN literacy benchmarks, libraries are essential. They support reading comprehension, fluency, and a love of learning through diverse, high-quality collections.
• Curriculum allies: School libraries offer resources that align with the curriculum, enhance classroom learning, and support diverse and inclusive representation.
• Digital guides: In an age of AI, deepfakes, and disinformation, school library staff teach students how to critically evaluate information, stay safe online, and become digitally literate citizens.
• Wellbeing hubs: They offer safe, inclusive environments where students of all backgrounds and abilities can feel seen, supported, and curious as well as a place where students can connect with librarians, staff and the wider school community.

“I think it’s easy to undervalue the role a librarian plays… especially in a school library. But the guidance of a trained librarian or library technician – someone who knows about evaluating sources and creating resource guides and different techniques for promoting reading – is a really important part of setting kids up for a lifelong love of reading and learning.” Emily Paull

Natalie adds: “For intelligent kids, for vulnerable kids, the library is a safe space… Knowledge is power and deep reading leads us to deep understanding. A good librarian understands that.”

Building brighter futures

The theme of ASLD—school libraries build brighter futures—is more than a slogan. It’s a reminder that every story read, every student supported, every question answered in a library is an investment in a better future.

“It worries me to see schools getting rid of school librarians. Mine were so important,” Emily reflects. “They were mentors, champions, and the first people outside my family who believed in my writing.”

School libraries are transformative spaces—and they need our support now more than ever. In 2025, Australia School Library Day will take place on Wednesday August 20. Find out how you can advocate for school libraries at: Why we need school libraries and how to champion them – Australia Reads