Sally Miller receives YALSA's Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant

CHICAGO — The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has named Sally Miller, a librarian at Walt Morey Middle School in Troutdale, Oregon as the recipient of this year's Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant, which aims to recognize a librarian who has planned a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy.

"I am so honored to receive the Joann Sweetland Lum grant and want to thank all involved for funding my Library Reading Cafe. This money will allow me to run a new and exciting program at the middle school where I can reach so many readers - from avid to reluctant. The money awarded will mean I can transform the library from a traditional setting to one of a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Thank you so much, I am thrilled about this opportunity.”

Miller will receive $1,000 for her project.

Established in 2020, the Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant is an annual $1,000 award funded by friends and family of Joann Sweetland Lum. As a classroom teacher, a college professor, and a mother, Joann Sweetland Lum was an avid user and advocate of libraries. The application form for the Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant is available in the Grants and Awards section of the YALSA website. Applications must be received by Dec. 1, 2024.

Members of the 2024 Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant Jury are:

Greg Lum, Janet Sweetland Liscio, James Lum, Terry Young, Sondra Eklund, Jen Blair, and Jessica Lorentz Smith.

The jury is comprised of four YALSA members including last year’s grant recipient and three family members.

Through networking, advocacy, and professional development, the Young Adult Library Services Association empowers all those involved in the profession to provide equitable, diverse and inclusive teen services. For more information on YALSA to go www.ala.org/yalsa

ABOUT YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.

ABOUT AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world. Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.” For more information, visit www.ala.org.