epilogue

Numerous national studies document the critical importance of childhood literacy for success in school and life, as well as the importance of well-equipped, well-staffed libraries in helping children overcome the impact of poverty on literacy and learning. The Weinberg Foundation is adding to this body of research through ongoing evaluation of the Library Project’s impact on academic achievement.

A 2023 evaluation studied the 15 school libraries opened between 2011 and 2019, documenting the difference the Library Project has made and highlighting key components of its success:

• The average number of book checkouts at Library Project libraries is five times higher than at other schools. The libraries also have nearly five times as many internet-accessible devices.
• The libraries foster a more positive school environment, with higher school-climate ratings from students and teachers. Schools also reported higher standardized test scores in English language arts.
• The libraries are a resource for families, helping to meet critical needs such as food and clothing, encouraging adult learning, and providing access to technology for parents’ personal and professional use.

Earlier evaluations examined the six libraries completed during its first and second years, as well as the SummerREADS program — one of the Library Project’s most tangible and powerful community connections, shown to effectively reduce summer reading loss for students who regularly attended. The first comprehensive evaluation looked at the nine schools completed during its first three years.

Finally, a review of research captures best practices for school libraries, as well as existing models of financing them, and a tool kit outlines key steps for planning similar projects, based on the Baltimore Library Project. Both aim to inspire and support decision makers, funders, school districts, community partnerships, and other entities in establishing collaborative efforts to promote reading proficiency and academic success in their community.