Opening Doors to Lifelong Learning with School Libraries

Each year, River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) celebrates Canadian School Library Day on the fourth Monday of October to recognize the important role that school libraries play in public education. There is extensive research on the impact that well-funded, well-staffed school libraries have on student academic achievement.  Therefore, in RETSD, we are incredibly proud of our comprehensive library programming, which gives students access to resources as well as both a teacher-librarian and a library technician in every school.

Libraries are more than bookshelves and study carrels. They are welcoming places where students can find diverse resources, literacy and technology support, inquiry learning opportunities, and knowledgeable staff who are committed to helping students succeed. 

When students are learning about a topic in their classroom, the library helps to bring the learning to life. Teacher-librarians often collaborate with classroom teachers to design learning experiences, curate resources, teach research skills, and support development of students’ critical thinking skills. They also support teachers directly by providing access to quality resources, professional knowledge, and collaborative planning.

Libraries also give students the opportunity to explore personal interests and ask questions about topics that matter to them. When students can explore their own interests and ideas, they become more engaged in what they are learning while building skills that will support them throughout life.

“Every student should be building the skills necessary to navigate today's information-rich world,” said Karen Boyd, assistant superintendent. “Libraries help students to recognize and select appropriate resources, to think critically about information, and to build fundamental skills needed for lifelong learning, whether it’s in the next grade, post-secondary education, the workplace, or everyday life.” 

To help parents and the community better understand the important place that school libraries play in public education, we have added an episode on library programming to our RETSD-TV catalogue found here: https://www.retsd.mb.ca/retsd-tv.