LIBRARY SERVICES
In a world overflowing with information, school libraries serve as essential hubs where students not only foster a love for reading but also develop the critical literacy and media skills needed to navigate today’s digital age. As part of our mission to increase empathy and equity and empower students through books, literacy, and information, VCOE’s school library services puts students, library staff, and educators at the heart of what we do. Supporting Libraries and Promoting Literacy
According to a 2022 statewide survey only 15% of Ventura County students have access to an onsite credentialed librarian. VCOE fills that gap by providing Librarian of Record services to close to 70,000 Ventura County students who would not otherwise have access to a certificated teacher librarian.
15%
Following the pandemic, budgets and facilities dedicated to school libraries have suffered, providing fewer new books and updated school library spaces. To increase equitable access to books and library services, VCOE has partnered with the Ventura County Library on a new school mobile library. With financial support from the California State Library, the Ventura County Library Foundation and other local donors, the school bookmobile was outfitted with brand-new books for students at all grade levels, STEAM kits and more. This state-of-the-art bookmobile will visit schools with a certificated teacher librarian who can provide lessons and book talks or collaborate with on-site teachers on research units. A Ventura County Library staff member will also be available to sign students up for new library cards, share resources, and check out books. This partnership is the first of its kind in California and we are so excited to be able to enhance school library service for local students.
Another unique program we provide is the Social Emotional Learning Book Club at VCOE’s Providence School, which serves students incarcerated at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Facility. Students read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, which is about his experience as a teen struggling with poverty and gang violence. They said they related to aspects of his story and looked forward to the book club sessions, which gave them a new avenue to address their own emotional health and well-being. VCOE also operates one of 16 Learning Resource Display Centers in the state. It’s a place where community members and educators can review state- adopted instructional materials for grades K-8 and where school districts get support with textbook and curriculum adoption. There are so many great things happening at the VCOE library! Check us out at vcoe.org/library (pun intended).
12 ● VCOE EDUCATION REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
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