Molly Dettmann receives AASL Frances Henne Award

CHICAGO – Molly Dettmann, teacher librarian at Norman North High School in Norman, Oklahoma, is the recipient of the 2023 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Frances Henne Award. Sponsored by Libraries Unlimited, the $1,250 award recognizes a school librarian with five years or less experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with students, teachers, and administrators. The award will enable Dettmann to attend an AASL National Conference for the first time.

“The committee was pleased that we received so many outstanding applications for this award, but Molly’s really stood out to all of us,” said Elizabeth Kahn, award committee chair. “"First, Molly has demonstrated her commitment to the profession by her active involvement in her local and state professional organizations. She runs a vibrant library program that provides support to her students in many areas beyond academics including extracurricular clubs, the arts, and STEM. We believe this award will give her the opportunity to continue her leadership role within her school and district as well as throughout her state’s librarian community."

Dettmann’s supervisor, Amanda Kordeliski, shared that, “Molly immediately immersed herself in school libraries and became involved in the Oklahoma School Librarians (OKSL) division of the Oklahoma School Library Association and within the school librarian community for Norman Public School.” Kordeliski continued “Molly’s passion for authentic learning and collaboration and her commitment to provide learners with the ability to think, create, share, and grow, make her an excellent candidate for the Frances Henne award.”

“The AASL community and my AASL state chapter community, have been critical throughout my career,” said AASL President, Kathy Lester. “To see a future leader like Molly, early in her career as a school librarian, be highly motivated to improve and grow her professional skills through her school library communities is commendable.  Now more than ever being part of this community provides both comfort and strength and we are excited to see future leaders.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2023 AASL National Conference taking place October 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.