Stureskolan in Arboga previously had a 'library' that consisted of a half-full bookshelf in a corner. The school made a major effort after the law changed on July 1 last year, which requires schools to have a staffed library. ' The school is testing a completely open library where students can also hang out with friends.
In the first weeks, Ellenor Jepsen lent out over 200 books. She thinks the new law requiring schools to have a staffed library is good, saying that now schools must shape up. Ellenor Jepsen says the municipal grant is also important so that schools can afford it, and she believes that most here will become avid readers.
We started from scratch here in Arboga.
The law changes mean that students as a main rule should have access to a school library at their own school unit, and requirements should be set for school libraries to be staffed to such an extent that the purposes of school libraries are achieved. Information about the new law is available on the government's website. Arboga has hired a school librarian, while other municipalities in Västmanland have varied approaches: Fagersta has teachers staffing the school library, and the municipality offers teachers to take a university course; Hallstahammar has staffed libraries, but not all employees have qualifications; Köping has a librarian at the high school, with other solutions at the elementary schools; Sala staffs school libraries with both librarians and teachers; Skinnskatteberg has staffed public and school libraries; Surahammar's high school lacks a library and uses the main library; Västerås has staffed libraries with various solutions, such as teachers; and Norberg and Kungsör have not responded.
It is unknown how many schools in Västmanland have fully complied with the new law requirements, and the exact qualifications required for staff in school libraries under the new law are not specified. The municipal grant mentioned by Jepsen has not been detailed, and the timeline for schools like Surahammar to establish their own libraries remains unclear.