This paper argues that school and public libraries and librarians have not reached their potential as powerful catalysts in helping youth face the challenges of the twenty-first century. The first of four sections outlines potential responses of libraries to a number of students' needs, including the ability to locate and use information, preparation to use present-day technology, equal access to the marketplace of ideas and information, the ability to think critically in order to solve problems, the ability to communicate effectively, preparation to live in a multicultural world, and the desire to become lifelong learners. The second section reviews the current status of the nation's libraries--elementary school, middle school, and high school, as well as public libraries--noting that present library resources, staffing, and facilities are not satisfactory for meeting students' needs. A state and local checklist is provided in the third section for assessing what libraries need in the way of staffing, resources, and facilities in order to serve young people. Finally, the fourth section lists 12 proposals recommended for action at the Second White House Conference on Library and Information Service. (GL)