Libraries in the Sioux Falls School District are getting new books, and librarians will be on hand more often under a plan approved at this week's School Board meeting. It's aimed at giving kids the skills they need to succeed in the 21st Century.

Did you know a library book is supposed to last 20 years? At least that's what experts used to think. But a study done in the Sioux Falls School District finds there's a strong connection between good school libraries, and how well students achieve. The committee, made up of teachers, librarians, administrators and parents found that if students in the Sioux Falls School District are to improve their reading and language skills, they'll need the library tools to do it. But district-wide, only 10 out of 31 libraries have the books per student to reach or exceed the 75th percentile nationally.

The study also found that it's important for librarians to collaborate with students. As a result, the Sioux Falls School Board voted to increase funding at the elementary level to make sure librarians are on hand more often. They also agreed to budget money so library materials can be updated more often. The hope is, if students have access to good information at their school libraries, hey'll be even more successful when their school days are over.

The study also found that schools with the highest levels of poverty should be among the first to receive new library resources.