In June, the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Libraries (PARSL) staged a silent read-in on the steps of the School District of Philadelphia’s Administration Building. Several years ago, K.C. Boyd, her fellow librarians, and supporters in the District of Columbia led a similar action, which ultimately helped restore school librarian positions across D.C. public schools. Amanda Jones took her fight against censorship to court and then told her story in a bestselling book. Martha Hickson continues to stand her ground against book bans and censorship efforts in New Jersey. The list goes on.
These acts of resistance are more than just advocacy, they are powerful examples of leadership in action.
As I return to blogging for the 2025–2026 year, I’ve been reflecting on where I want to focus my energy and attention. I kept coming back to one core idea: the many ways school librarians lead. Leadership in our profession shows up in bold, visible ways, but also in quieter, consistent practices that shape school culture and student success. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing thoughts, resources, and real-world examples of how school librarians demonstrate leadership at the intersections of advocacy, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Because despite outdated assumptions, we are far more than “keepers of books.” We’re instructional leaders, tech trailblazers, literacy champions, and change agents in our schools and beyond.
Advocates for Equity and Access in our Collections and Resources – Yep, That’s Leadership!
When we ensure that all students have access to diverse materials in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, we’re leading. It might not make headlines, but cultivating a space of belonging sends a strong message: everyone is welcome here.
Removing barriers to access is another form of quiet, consistent leadership. Maybe it’s eliminating late fees, providing materials in students’ home languages, or choosing digital platforms that support accessibility features like read-aloud tools, dyslexia-friendly fonts, or screen-reader compatibility. These aren’t just technical choices; they are equity decisions that speak volumes. It’s leading the way to make sure everyone is included.
Advocates for Each Other – Yep, That’s Leadership
Before moving to Pennsylvania, I co-chaired the Advocacy Committee for the Maryland Association of School Librarians. That experience taught me that we cannot afford to operate in silos. We must show up for each other.
I learned how to write to school boards, recruit speakers for board meetings, and build coalitions to push back against harmful policy changes. Sometimes, our most important work is amplifying the voices of colleagues who are under pressure in their own districts. When we speak up for others, we demonstrate that no school librarian is in this fight alone.
The Power of the Pen – Yep, That’s Leadership
Advocacy and leadership also live in our words. Letters to the editor remain a surprisingly powerful tool. In my new community in Pennsylvania, I submitted a letter to the editor after reading about a district considering reinstating school librarians. That letter led to conversations, sparked more local articles, inspired more letters and ultimately contributed to a phased plan to bring back school librarians.
Was it all because of one letter? Of course not. But that one small action helped create a ripple. It opened the door for conversation, community awareness, and momentum.
Small Acts Make a Difference – Yep, That’s Leadership
Advocacy doesn’t always look like rallies, lawsuits, or bestselling books. Sometimes it’s stocking the shelves with the right book at the right time. Sometimes it’s standing up for a colleague. Sometimes it’s making a space more inclusive for just one student.
Leadership happens in the choices we make every day. It’s in the conversations we have, the policies we question, and the values we uphold. Small acts, done consistently and with intention are leadership.
So here’s to all the “small” things we do that make a big difference. Because yep – that’s leadership.
References
Lavarde, A. (2025, June 28). Reading as resistance — The PSLA/PARSL silent read-in at #ALAAC25. ALSC Blog. https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2025/06/reading-as-resistance-the-psla-parsal-silent-read-in-at-alaac25/
Grablick, C. (2021, September 27). A school librarian is a ‘jack of all trades.’ Now every DCPS student has access to one. DCist. https://dcist.com/story/21/09/27/new-funding-puts-a-librarian-in-every-dcps-school/
Hickson, M. (2022, February 3). What’s it like to be the target of a book banning effort? School librarian Martha Hickson tells her story. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/from-the-breaking-point-to-fighting-anew-school-librarian-martha-hickson-shares-her-story-of-battling-book-banning-censorship
Jones, A. (2024, August 27). I spoke out against library book bans. Then the death threats started. Oprah Daily. https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a61600534/the-librarian-amanda-jones-book-bans/
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