WA SB5551

School districts must adopt policies by September 1, 2026 acknowledging the requirement to provide every student access to school library information and technology programs, along with procedures describing how students can access these services.

Programs must be staffed by certificated teacher-librarians with library media endorsements, though second-class school districts may use noncertificated staff if reasonable efforts to hire a teacher-librarian have failed, and may partner with public libraries or higher education institutions.

Teacher-librarian duties include integrating technology into curriculum, instructing students in digital citizenship and information literacy, developing diverse library collections, and directing classified library staff.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction must designate a single point of contact for library inquiries, provide technical assistance prioritizing Title I schools, and develop statewide library standards based on American Association of School Librarians and International Society for Technology in Education standards.

Nearly 60% of Washington school districts currently lack a certified teacher-librarian, disproportionately impacting low-income families and families of color.