School libraries not aging well: Collections old or depleted, limiting student resources.

Byline: Jen Aronoff

Feb. 5--Across the Catawba Valley, many school libraries are grappling with old or depleted book collections, leaving students with limited outlets for learning -- and imagination. Every high school library in the Unifour has a below-average number of books, and many collections are aging, according to state data. Educational research has repeatedly shown that well-stocked, well-staffed school libraries boost student achievement. They help schools meet testing goals. They provide a place for student research. At their best, they educate and inspire. But centers with old or depleted collections can do just the opposite: misinform students, many of whom have little access to books otherwise, and turn them off from reading, librarians and other school officials say. "If you don't have (interesting) resources in the school library media center, for many children,…