According to recent data gathered by the Tennessee Association of School Librarians, the median budget provided to school libraries in Tennessee is $3,500. According to data gathered from School Library Journal, the national average is $6,355. The budget I received to purchase books, materials, and digital resources for my library fell below both the state and the national average. I received $1,000 from the district this year, and I earned $500 from a book fair. The collection age for my non-fiction books is in danger of not meeting the "Basic" level based on the State Minimum Requirements, and in order to rectify this, I need more funding to be able to purchase new books. 

My students deserve a school library with up-to-date resources. I am asking you to consider how restructuring the BEP funding formula will impact our school libraries, as our school libraries are not funded equitably. I ask that funding for school libraries in Tennessee meet or exceed the national average, and for libraries with collections that fall below State Minimum Requirements, that additional funding be provided to help bring them back into compliance. 

Or, if you feel that you receive adequate funding, please consider sending an email like this:

I am a school librarian in (name of) county. As you review the BEP funding structure, please consider our school libraries. We need a budget to be able to purchase new materials to support academic growth for all students and to replace out of date materials so that we adhere to State Minimum Requirements for library information centers.

According to recent data gathered by the Tennessee Association of School Librarians, the median budget provided to school libraries in Tennessee is $3,500. According to data gathered from School Library Journal, the national average is $6,355. I am concerned that we are well below the national average. With the rising costs of books and digital resources, we will not be able to keep up and provide our students with the quality resources they need to support their academic growth at this rate.

I ask that the committee recommend that districts provide funding to their school libraries that meets or exceeds the national average, and for libraries with collections that fall below State Minimum Requirements, that additional funding be provided to help bring them back into compliance. This will ensure that our school libraries are funded equitably across the state. 

 2. Please email your state representative and state senator this week. The next TN General Assembly session starts Tuesday, January 11. Please introduce yourself and let them know you would like to be a resource for them about any questions they have regarding school libraries. You are encouraged to email the legislators for where you live and work, if they are different. You can find your legislators and their contact info here. 

Here is a sample email that you can use or edit to meet your needs:

Dear Representative Whitson (or Dear Senator Yarbro):

I am (your name), and I'm the school librarian at (name of school) in (district name). I live and work in your district. I would like to serve as a resource for you this year. Please know that I will be reaching out to you consistently to provide input and feedback on issues related to school libraries and education. This year, I ask that you support three issues that impact school libraries. 

1. Support intellectual freedom for our students and be aware that school districts in your district already have reconsideration policies in place for school libraries and classroom instructional materials. 

2. Support equitable funding for school libraries. According to recent data gathered by the Tennessee Association of School Librarians, the median budget provided to school libraries in Tennessee is $3,500. According to data gathered from School Library Journal, the national average is $6,355. I am concerned that we are well below the national average. With the rising costs of books and digital resources, we will not be able to meet State Minimum Requirements and provide our students with the quality resources they need to support their academic growth at this rate.

3. Support the reinstatement of a school library coordinator at the Tennessee Department of Education. This leader will be instrumental in reviewing and updating district policies for libraries and leveraging our school libraries to better support TN Best for All and Reading 360. 

I am here to be a resource for you, so if you have any questions, please reach out. I also invite you to visit my library. Would you be interested in joining my next book club meeting virtually? My students and I would love to chat with you. (or provide another opportunity in which your legislator can connect with you). 

Thank you for your support,

Your name

Contact info

Lindsey Kimery

Coordinator of Library Services, MNPS

AASL Chapter Delegates Chair| TASL Past-President

615-969-9755

Schedule a meeting "