Up-to-date, relevant learning materials in each of our school libraries are a vital component for a quality education system. The Coeur d'Alene Education Partnership, an independent, nonprofit education advocacy group created by local citizens in 2012, invites the community to help us raise money for every library in the Coeur d'Alene School District.

The Coeur d'Alene Education Partnership is excited to announce its first fundraising event - Disco Inferno! Join us for a fun-filled evening of dancing and singing to 1970s disco music from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Coeur d'Alene Eagles on Sherman Avenue. Tickets are $35 and are available online at www.deaep.org/disco-inferno or at the door the night of the event. Admission includes '70s themed appetizers and a complimentary drink ticket.

CEP carefully selected school libraries as the fundraising focus for four reasons.

1. CEP was looking for a fundraiser which would benefit each school in the district.

2. CEP recognizes the important role libraries play in the learning process.

3. CEP strives to support excellence in local schools by providing supplemental learning materials.

4. And, local school libraries are required to expand their non-fiction collection in order to meet the Idaho Core Standards.

The evening will combine fun with the serious topic of literacy, technology and the need to supplement our library collections. Instead of a silent auction, people will have the opportunity to fund collections of various grade-level books.

CEP encourages our community to help make our libraries a model of excellence. A 2013 study titled "School Library Impact Studies: A Review of Findings and Guide to Sources" published by Gretes Research Services shows the need for quality libraries. The research concluded that the level of library funding, staffing levels, collection size and range, and the instructional role of the librarian have a direct impact on student achievement.

The study found that the following factors contribute to a strong library and student achievement:

1. A strong library program leads to higher scores.

Studies involving more than 8,700 schools and more than 2.6 million students have consistently demonstrated that students score an average of 10-20 percent higher on reading and achievement tests when their school has a strong library media program.

2. Access to better libraries means better reading.

Higher quality school libraries correlate with higher scores on reading tests at state, national and international levels.

3. School librarians provide much more than access to books.

They serve as instructional partners, information specialists, teachers and program administrators. They lead in building 21st century skills by collaborating with teachers to provide essential skills of critical thinking, digital literacy and technology, foster love of reading, help students meet Common Core State Standards and prepare students for the workforce.

4. High levels of poverty mean little access to books.

Lack of access to books is a major reason low-income children do poorly on reading tests.

5. Access to books appears to offset the impact of poverty.

Research has shown that access to books has a positive effect on reading achievement, which has a strong correlation to poverty. A good library can offset the effects of poverty on reading.

The Coeur d'Alene Education Partnership invites you to return to the '70s this Saturday evening and help us raise needed funds for an important part of our educational system. Libraries are at the core of learning. Let's make them the best that we can!

Nancy Hart is president of the Coeur d'Alene Education Partnership and has two girls in the Coeur d'Alene School District. Both she and her children love their local and school libraries.