Where do stories begin? For many of us, they begin in a school library. With shelves stacked with seemingly endless books, the school library offers any reader the opportunity to escape into a good read. This April, School Library Month calls each and every one of us to honor those spaces, and the librarians who guide students toward new worlds, new voices, and new ideas.
As a space where lifelong readers and future English majors are born, the school library will be the first place students can discover books outside of the classroom. School libraries level the playing field, offering equal access to information, resources, technology, books, and other types of literature. Students have the opportunity to explore their curiosities, spark empathy, and form their own love of language. School libraries play a vital role in equity, for some the library will be the first place they see authors who look like them, speak to their unique experiences, or introduce them to different perspectives far beyond their own. Not every student has shelves of books or any at all, reliable internet access, or quiet spaces to study or complete homework. These spaces are critical to providing students the option to go where they can truly feel an ownership of their reading and academic lives.
School libraries would not be these safe, inclusive spaces they are today, without the work and dedication of a school librarian. However, from today’s climate of book challenges and censorship, to completing other school related duties, the role of a school librarian may seem different than expected. Covering classes when substitutes aren’t available, managing technology troubleshooting, and proctoring exams are just some examples of tasks some school librarians are asked to step up to do at their school. These extra responsibilities can overshadow the heart of their work; pulling them away from the essential role of being collaborators, guiding students in research, finding that perfect book, and maintaining diverse collections.
As someone who loved going to the school library growing up, I would spend so much time trying to check out any books I could find that looked interesting. The school library always offered me a purpose and a place where I felt welcomed. My love for the school library has ultimately inspired my professional goal of becoming a school librarian. As a current educator, and as someone who has shadowed a school librarian, I knew I wanted to be in the library and make the difference my school librarians did for me growing up. Through my studies and my firsthand experience, I understand and value the dedication these educators put into these spaces, and I am very much inspired to do the exact same thing for all of my current and future students.
At their best, school libraries are not just a collection of books, but rather gateways to an endless possibility. They are one of the few places in a school where curiosity can guide a student’s learning and challenge them to critically think beyond their original question. School libraries matter because they protect the right to read; school librarians matter because they actively stand at the frontlines of intellectual freedom, ensuring every diverse voice and complex story has the opportunity to inspire and transform.
Arista Elderkin
Student Representative, Southern Region, 2025-2026
Phi Xi Chapter
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Freedom to Read Statement
The English Honor Societies (EHS) believe that the freedom to read is key to both a well-rounded education and to a healthy, democratic society. EHS is an inclusive community that values diverse voices, individual and shared experiences, and all literary traditions. Our members engage with a wide range of texts (including those that have been historically marginalized) and, by doing so, develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, as well as a profound understanding of the world and one another.
EHS asserts that literature allows us to question assumptions, examine injustice, imagine new possibilities, and find connection among differences. For students at all levels, access to literature is essential to intellectual growth and personal discovery.
For these reasons, EHS stands for intellectual freedom. We oppose censorship and reject efforts to restrict access to books, ideas, or voices because they are uncomfortable, controversial, or unfamiliar. Limiting access to texts limits an individual’s ability to constructively critique, empathize, and participate fully in society.
We also affirm the professional expertise and academic autonomy of our Chapter Advisors. As professional educators, they are uniquely qualified to select and recommend texts that meet the needs of their students, reflect the diversity of their communities, and encourage thoughtful inquiry.
The English Honor Societies proudly uphold the freedom to read for every reader.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
