Today, across the country, we celebrate Australian School Library Day—a moment to shine a light on the heartbeat of our schools: the library.
This year’s theme, All the Literacies, reminds us that school libraries are not just about reading. They’re about empowering students with the full spectrum of literacies needed to thrive in a complex world. As educators, this day invites us to reflect on the transformative role libraries play in our schools and to advocate for the qualified teacher librarians who make these spaces come alive.
More Than Just Books: The Role of School Libraries
Modern school libraries are vibrant, inclusive environments that support curriculum delivery, foster independent learning, and build critical and creative thinking skills (ACT Government, 2022). When led by a qualified teacher librarian, these spaces become central to a school’s teaching and learning culture.Yet in Queensland and beyond, many schools still lack a dedicated library space or a qualified teacher librarian—especially in communities where literacy outcomes are already at risk (Queensland Teachers’ Union [QTU], 2023).
Why qualified Teacher Librarians matter?
Teacher librarians are dual-qualified professionals with expertise in both education and information science.
They:
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to support curriculum goals.
- Promote reading for pleasure and academic success.
- Guide students in navigating digital and print resources.
- Create safe, inclusive spaces that support student wellbeing.
Then there is nothing quite like seeing a student fall in love with reading for the first time. That joy is irreplaceable!
Literacy and Wellbeing: A Powerful Connection
Literacy is foundational and not just for academic achievement, but for emotional and social wellbeing. Research shows that reading and writing can significantly support children’s mental health, especially during times of stress (National Literacy Trust, 2020).
This year’s theme, All the Literacies, highlights the many ways libraries support students, from reading and information literacy to digital, cultural, and wellbeing literacy. A well-resourced library is a launchpad for lifelong learning. Emerging frameworks like wellbeing literacy emphasize the importance of teaching students how to communicate about their emotional and mental states (Oades, Robinson, Green, & Spence, 2021).
The Reading Crisis.
Merga (2017) has revealed a troubling trend: while many adolescents possess basic literacy skills, they are increasingly disengaged from reading for pleasure which is known as aliteracy. Between 2017 and 2021, the percentage of Australians who read books at least once a year dropped from 92% to 75% (Merga, 2022). This decline has serious implications for literacy development, academic performance, and future opportunities. Merga’s findings also underscore the vital role of teacher librarians in reversing this trend. By fostering reading habits and building relationships with students, they help bridge the gap between ability and motivation.
Australian School Library Day – A call to action.
Australian School Library Day was created to celebrate the incredible work of school library staff and to raise awareness of the essential role libraries play in education (Australian Library and Information Association [ALIA], 2025). It’s a day to:
Share appreciation for your library staff.
Showcase student voices and library stories.
Advocate for well-resourced libraries in every school.
If your school doesn’t yet have a qualified teacher librarian or a dedicated library space, today is the perfect time to start the conversation.
After all, every student deserves access to a library that supports all the literacies.
References
Merga, M. K. (2022). Reading engagement in Australian adolescents: Beyond ability. Springer.National Literacy Trust. (2020). Children and young people’s reading in 2020 before and during lockdown. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-reading-2020-before-and-during-lockdown/
Oades, L. G., Robinson, P., Green, S., & Spence, G. B. (2021). Wellbeing literacy: A capability model for wellbeing science and practice. International Journal of Wellbeing, 11(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i1.727
Queensland Teachers’ Union. (2023, May 5). Do you have a qualified teacher-librarian in your school library? Queensland Teachers’ Journal, 128(3), 22. https://www.qtu.asn.au/journal/queensland-teachers-journal-vol-128-2023/queensland-teachers-journal-vol-128-no-3/do-you-have-qualified-teacher-librarian-your-school-library
Learning through the Library 