UPA High librarian seeks to encourage library resurgence throughout the city; only six schools in Detroit have libraries with certified school librarians

Media Contact: Jesli Banks; U Prep; Jesli.Banks@uprepschools.com; 313-910-6458

Detroit, Mich.—January 27, 2026 – Libraries don’t just house books, they open doors to opportunity that start with a love of reading. Detroit-based University Prep Schools, Detroit’s largest charter school network, comprised of three districts and 10 schools from kindergarten through high school, is pleased to announce that its library at University Prep Academy (UPA) High School is garnering awards, grants, and a strengthened vision to bring libraries to Detroit school children – even beyond the network’s schools – thanks to Brian Peck, school librarian and Spanish teacher at UPA High.

Under Peck’s guidance, the library at UPA High School opened in 2023 upon culmination of project-based learning (PBL) efforts that began with students conducting research, including site visits to area libraries, and initial seed money of $50,000 provided through a State of Michigan grant. Since then, the library has deepened a passion for literacy and learning among students. As a testament to his efforts, Peck received the Michigan Association of School Librarians 2025 Promotion of the School Library Program award at the end of last year.

Savannah Henning, Principal at UPA High School, applauds Peck’s initiative.

“Brian has taken the idea of a school library far beyond our wildest dreams in a remarkably short amount of time,” Henning remarked. “The library has contributed to several meaningful shifts across the school, including the implementation of reading challenges, expanded Lexile ranges, reduced cellphone use during lunch periods, and an overall positive shift in school culture.”

As with many libraries in the modern world, the UPA High School library isn’t bound by books. There’s a desire for greater hands-on learning experiences to further equip students with tools for the future. In December 2025, UPA High School was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to expand the library’s makerspace, which will include 3D printing and opportunities to engage in hands-on AI experiences spanning augmented reality development, podcasts, video, digital storytelling, music, and digital art and animation. The additions to the library will be implemented by the end of this school year.

Peck’s larger goal is not only helping schools add libraries in the University Prep network, but to raise awareness of the importance of libraries in schools throughout the city.

“In Detroit, there are only six school buildings that have functioning school libraries with certified school librarians  – and that number needs to be higher, not only because of the hands on experiences libraries provide to students, but because student results for reading, writing, and graduation improve when there’s access to a library and librarian in the school,” Peck said. “At UPA High, we have created a library model that cultivates curiosity and can be replicated at other schools with the appropriate funding and support.”

About University Prep Schools

University Prep Schools (U Prep Schools) is a tuition-free charter school network comprised of three distinct districts: University Prep Academy (UPA), University Prep Science & Math (UPSM), and University Prep Art & Design (UPAD). Between the three districts, there are 10 state-of-the-art schools – four elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools – all located throughout the heart of Detroit. Established in 2000, all of the school buildings within U Prep Schools were built through funding from the Plymouth, Michigan-based Thompson Foundation, which continues to support the school in a variety of ways, including charging only $1 for rent per year for each school building. The cornerstone of the U Prep Schools is the 90/90 promise: that 90% of students entering ninth grade will graduate and 90% will be accepted to college, the military, or trade/technical pursuit. Learn more here.

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