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epilogue

Our Story Continues

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.

Resources

YouTube

Please click here to visit the Weinberg Foundation's YouTube channel to see Library Project content!


Various coverage of Penny Challenge Event, April 2017:


Various coverage of Annual Book Drive, March 2017:


Various coverage of Annual Book Drive, April 2016:


Various coverage of Library Grand Openings, September 2015:


Various coverage of Annual Book Drive, March 2015:


Various coverage of Library Grand Openings, September 2013:

  • Baltimore Sun - Online article posted on the evening of September 23 and page 2 of September 24 edition.
  • WJZ-TV - Package (self-contained report introduced by anchor) by Jessica Kartalija at 6p.m.
  • WBFF-TV (Fox 45) - 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Various coverage of Annual Book Drive, March 2013:

  • WBAL-TV - Online article posted on the evening of March 1.

Various coverage of Library Grand Openings, September 2012:

  • Baltimore Sun - Online article posted on the evening of September 12 and page 2 of September 13 edition.
  • WBFF-TV (Fox 45)/WBAL-TV/WMAR (ABC2) - A total of 19 morning live reports by all three stations.
  • WBAL Radio - Rachel Garbow Monroe, Weinberg Foundation President, interviewed by Mary Beth Marsden for Maryland News Now (afternoon drive show).
  • WBFF-TV (Fox 45) - 5 & 10 pm
  • WBAL-TV - YouTube video posted by WBAL, evening show vo/sot
  • WMAR-TV (ABC2) - Online story posted after morning live shots.

Various coverage of Annual Book Drive, March 2012:


Various coverage of Library Project Launch, December 2011:


Miscellaneous Coverage:

Reports/data on childhood literacy

Reports on the relationship between academic achievement and poverty

Reports on importance of library quality