School librarians are essential to students' academic success and personal growth, as they provide crucial support and resources to students and teachers alike. This was emphasized in the testimony given by Cynthia Wright, the Youth Leadership Development Manager for the Salvation Army of Philadelphia Croc Center, to the Philadelphia Board of Education on February 2, 2023.

Ms. Wright shared her experience as a former student of John B. Kelly Elementary School in Germantown, where she worked in the school's library and developed an appreciation for books and the written word. She also highlighted the importance of having certified school librarians in all public schools, as volunteers cannot replace the expertise and support that professional librarians provide. In her testimony, Wright advocated for the Philadelphia Alliance for Restoring Librarians (PARL) and its mission to promote effective school libraries with certified school librarians in all public schools. 

"My name is Cynthia Wright and I'm the Youth Leadership Development Manager for the Salvation Army of Philadelphia Croc Center. I had the opportunity to attend a back-to-school night at the John B Kelly Elementary School located in Germantown in the fall. It was at this event that I learned about the school's library volunteers program. I decided immediately that I wanted to be a part of this very important program.

I, myself, was a student at John B. Kelly where I was a hall monitor, worked with the crossing guard as a safety, and most meaningful to me worked in the school's library. I loved my job in that library. I was already an avid reader and working in the library provided me the opportunity to develop an appreciation for books and the written word. I was so shocked to learn that the school had gone with our library for many years and that this library at John B Kelly was revived through the hard work of volunteers.

Now, as a volunteer, I support a local grassroots group called Philadelphia Alliance for Restoring Librarians or parcel for short that would like to work with the School District of Philadelphia to have effective school libraries with certified school librarians in all its public schools. Volunteer simply cannot do the job of a certified teacher librarian. The libraries and librarians are in a and needed component of every students learning program. I am so glad that this group has been formed to bring people together who believe in the power of school libraries to inspire kids. I hope you will be inspired too. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak with you this evening. Thank you."

You can watch Ms. Wright's testimony on Facebook, too. Her testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that school librarians play in promoting student learning and personal development. If you agree with her, please take the next step and sign the petition to the Superintendent that we make restoring school librarians a High Priority in Philadelphia public schools.