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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ashley Marquez, Student from Urban Assembly School for Leadership and Empowerment
2:40:22
ยท
86 sec
Ashley Marquez, a 17-year-old high school senior, testifies in support of a bill requiring the Department of Education to report on school librarians and library access in New York City public schools. She shares her personal experience with the importance of school libraries and librarians for student success.
- Ashley contrasts her positive experience with a school library at her previous school to the lack of a library at her current school.
- She emphasizes the role of librarians in providing resources and support for student learning.
- Ashley advocates for every student to have access to a school library and librarian, highlighting the impact on learning opportunities.
High School Student
2:40:22
Good morning.
2:40:23
My name is Ashley Marquez and I am 17 years old.
2:40:26
I live in Borough Park in District 44 and my council member is Simha Felder.
2:40:32
I am currently a senior at USLE in Borough Park.
2:40:35
I am testifying today to support the bill to require the Department of Education to report on school librarians and library access in New York City public schools.
2:40:44
I'm here Libraries and librarians are essential to student success, and I know this from personal experience.
2:40:51
I used to attend High School of Telecommunication where we had an amazing library.
2:40:56
It was a safe, quiet place where I could focus and learn.
2:40:59
The library had books, computers, and printers, but more importantly, it had a librarian librarian who was always ready to help.
2:41:07
I still remember asking about life during the American Revolution.
2:41:12
The librarian took the time to help me understand by providing resources, not just memorizing facts.
2:41:19
Now at my current school, we don't have a library.
2:41:22
When I have questions, my teachers try to help me but they are often busy.
2:41:27
There's no quiet place to study and at home, it's easy to get distracted.
2:41:31
I really miss having a librarian and someone dedicated to support my learning.
2:41:37
Every student deserves access to every student deserves access to a student library and a librarian.
2:41:43
I hope you'll support the bill so that all students in New York City can have the same opportunities as I once did.
2:41:48
Thank you.