As the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) becomes an affiliate partner of MassCUE, our organizations move forward together with a shared vision: ensuring every student in Massachusetts has access to a high-quality, future-ready school library program.

At the center of this work is Massachusetts Senate Bill 2865 – An Act Relative to School Library Standards.

This legislation represents an important step forward in strengthening school library standards across Massachusetts. 

What is S.2865?

S.2865 seeks to establish clear, modern, statewide standards for school library programs in Massachusetts. Currently, access to strong library programs varies significantly from district to district. Some schools benefit from fully staffed, well-resourced library programs led by certified school librarians. Others operate with limited staffing or no dedicated library educator at all. Some students do not even have access to a school library at all. 

This inconsistency creates inequities in:

• Access to certified school librarians
• Development of research and inquiry skills
• Digital and media literacy instruction
• Equitable access to diverse, high-quality materials
• Collaboration between librarians and classroom teachers

S.2865 aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their zip code, have access to a robust and modern school library program aligned with 21st-century learning expectations.

Why This Bill Matters

Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states in education. However, without consistent statewide standards for school libraries, students’ access to critical literacy and information skills depends heavily on local resources.

Strong school library programs:

• Strengthen reading engagement and comprehension
• Build digital literacy and media literacy skills
• Support safe and responsible technology use
• Help students evaluate information and combat misinformation
• Provide inclusive collections that reflect diverse voices and experiences
• Support educators through instructional collaboration

In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid information exchange, and digital complexity, school libraries are not options; they are essential infrastructures for learning. By supporting S.2865, Massachusetts can reaffirm its leadership in education while addressing disparities that affect students across the Commonwealth. 

Why MassCUE is Supporting this Bill

As an organization dedicated to advancing effective technology integration and digital learning, MassCUE recognized that school libraries are foundational partners in this work.

Our new partnership with MSLA strengthens our collective ability to advocate for:

• Equitable access to information and technology
• Digital citizenship and responsible media use
• Professional collaboration between educators and library leaders
• Student readiness for college, career, and civic life.

Together, MassCUE and MSLA believe S.2865 reflects shared values around equity, literacy, and student-centered innovation. 

How You Can Take Action

Legislation moves forward when lawmakers hear from educators, parents, and community members.  Here’s how you can help.

📩 Submit Written Testimony

Email the Joint Committee on Education using our pre-written and addressed email. Share why strong school libraries matter in your school and community. Even a brief message makes a difference. 

You can also submit testimonials here with Every Library to help move MSLA’s message forward. 

📣 Share With Your Network

Encourage colleagues, families, community members, and friends to submit testimony as well. Personal stories carry powerful weight. The more voices speaking up together, the better!

🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Engage Locally

Reach out to your own state Representatives and Senators to express support for S.2865. 

 Moving Forward, Together

The partnership between MassCUE and MSLA reflects a shared understanding: strong school libraries are critical to equitable, future-ready education in Massachusetts. S.2865 provides an opportunity to ensure that every student, in every district, has access to the literacy, research, and digital skills they need to thrive. We encourage all members to take action and lend their voice in support of this important legislation. Together, we can help strengthen school libraries across the Commonwealth.