SLJ budget and funding survey findings

 more than half of school libraries in the United States—57 percent—report operating with “unmet needs,” according to School Library Journal’s 2026 Budget and Spending Survey. The survey, completed by 820 school libraries, examines current year (2025–26), prior year (2024–25), and projected library media center (LMC) budgets, revealing a largely flat funding environment across school types.

Within the data, the survey reveals how multiple factors, including burdensome approval and purchasing processes, rising collection expenses, and a growing need for alternative funding sources, exacerbate the impact of flat budgets in a period of economic uncertainty. This data is not only notable, but should help drive advocacy for school funding going forward.

Topics include demographics, district and state challenges, diversity funding, book fairs, staffing, and partnerships. 

Witteveen, A. (2026). 2026 budgets funding survey: School libraries face unmet needs. School Library Journal. https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/2026-Budgets-Funding-Survey-School-Librarians-face-Unmet-Needs

State of American Libraries Report

 The American Library Association published their 2025 State of American Libraries report. Some key topics were book banning and censorship (which is now mainly initiated by pressure groups and government officials), services to incarcerated people, advocacy, and libraries as literacy hubs. 

State of American Libraries. (2026). ALA. https://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2026

Early Childhood Screen Use Impact Study

A recent national survey asked about students’ behavior, emotional regulation, motor development, and other foundational skills. Respondents were also asked whether today’s students in pre-K through 3rd grade struggle more with basic skills and daily tasks than their same-age peers two years ago. Dozens of early educators shared concerns about students’ school readiness, pointing to gaps in age-appropriate motor skills, social-emotional maturity, attention spans, and overall independence. Many attributed these challenges largely to excessive screen time and permissive parenting.

Kuhfeld, M. (2026). Addicted to screens. EdWeek. 

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/addicted-to-screens-teachers-sound-the-alarm-on-their-youngest-students/2026/04

Struggling Readers in Secondary Schools Survey

 Based on a national survey of teachers, principals, and district leaders, this report highlights widespread concerns—especially in higher-poverty schools—and examines key questions about training, resources, and family support. Data-driven findings point to solutions for strengthening secondary literacy. Topics include training on how to support middle and high school students struggling with basic reading skills, resources to help educators assist those students, and the role of parental support.

Struggling readers in secondary schools: Results of a national survey. (2026) Education Week.

https://www.edweek.org/research-center/reports/struggling-readers-in-secondary-schools-results-of-a-national-survey?utm_source=eb&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=RCReport&M=17140198&UUID=38915a68716182c0a0b20ace8b5219f7&T=22403136

teens and AI report

 Students are using AI tools. The study found that a majority of U.S. teens have used AI chatbots, and many report using them to support schoolwork and research. For educators and librarians, the issue is no longer whether AI belongs in education. The real question is whether schools will teach students how to use it responsibly.

How Teens Use and View AI. (2026). Pew Research CENTER.

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2026/02/24/how-teens-use-and-view-ai/pi_2026-02-24_teens-and-ai_0-01/?_gl=1%2Axfpp0n%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_gs%2AMQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiAk6rNBhCxARIsAN5mQLuD1rnbi9_P4wWPrGN0j3TvT5shVi4oi2y2QzkSO5EdLccyCl6dABMaAuQHEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAA-ddO9HhIP5NLYtpLbodzRDa_adD3&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

 Cultivating competencies such as self-regulation, emotional resilience, and intentional technology use may support healthier digital engagement and enhance both academic learning and student well-being. A recent study explored the representation of digital wellness within existing digital literacy and digital citizenship educational models or framework, and found that the majority referred to digital wellness as a ‘subcomponent’ of digital literacy or digital competence, affirming their status as educational priorities globally.

Laffier, J., Westley, M., & Rehman, A. (2025). How digital wellness is represented in school digital literacy and citizenship models: a qualitative comparative analysis. Academia Mental Health and Well-Being, 2(4). https://www.academia.edu/2997-9196/2/4/10.20935/MHealthWellB8019

Reading Aloud to Children Study

 Reading aloud to children, even after they can read independently, provides benefits beyond literacy, according to a recent study. It found that just 15 minutes of shared reading each night helped strengthen children's empathy and creativity, Furthermore, it doesn't matter if the reader asks questions or not. 

Winter, M. et al. (2026). Keep the bedtime story: A daily reading ritual improves empathy and creativity in children. PlusOne. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340068