Professional Learning Programs
Astor Center for Public School Libraries
The Astor Center for Public School Libraries at New Visions champions librarians and school libraries in schools across New York City. Established in 1997 by a grant from the Vincent Astor Foundation to New Visions for Public Schools, the Astor Center is dedicated to improving New York City’s school libraries and supporting professional growth among the city’s school librarians.
Librarians have a unique role within school communities. From collaborating with teachers to enrich classroom curriculum to directly supporting individual student learning, librarians foster a schoolwide culture of literacy. That culture ensures a broad range of access to information and new technology, supporting every student’s success.
The major bodies of work of the Astor Center are:
The CLN supports school librarians through monthly opportunities for professional learning and collaboration. Librarians develop strategies for supporting instructional work across the curriculum and improving library systems and resources.
The Astor Center for Public School Libraries offers grants of up to $5,000 to libraries that develop a curriculum project that (1) is aligned with this year’s themes, (2) develops a specific unit within the identified curriculum materials, and (3) is developed by a librarian-teacher partnership. Details about the application criteria and process will be available before the first workshop meeting of the school year.
The Teacher-2-Librarian (T2L) Program enables certified classroom teachers to:
- Gain their M.S. in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University or M.S. in Library Media from St. John Fisher University,
- Complete the course requirements to attain New York State certification as a PreK-12 school library media specialist, and
- Take a position as a certified school librarian in the NYC Public Schools.
Librarians and libraries are often-overlooked resources when schools are adopting high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). New Visions supports teachers and librarians collaborating in service of curriculum implementation.
“The Astor Center for Public School Libraries and New Visions for Public Schools bring significant value to school libraries, particularly through their Campus Librarian Network (CLN), by providing essential support, professional development, and resources. Through collaboration with the NYC Public Schools Office of Library Services, the Astor Center has enriched the school librarian profession by offering professional learning opportunities, networking, resource sharing, advocacy, and strategic planning.”
Melissa Jacobs, Director
NYC School Library Services
In libraries across NYC
Resources
CLN Archives
School Year 25-26
School Year 24-25
School Year 23-24
School Year 22-23
School Year 21-22
School Year 20-21
School Year 19-20
School Year 18-19
School Year 17-18
School Year 16-17
School Year 15-16
School Year 14-15
School Year 13-14
Interested in learning more?
Reach out to the School Libraries team.