AASL Commends the Delaware Library Association

CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the Delaware Association of School Librarians (DASL) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends  Delaware Library Association (DLA). The association is one of twenty outstanding programs, events, and products recognized in 2023 for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves.

Delaware Library Association is recognized for its commitment and promotion of school librarianship by providing professional development in the form of state networking initiative, motivational/educational speakers, professional research, paths to volunteer and represent librarianship. It is also recognized for advocating and defending the intellectual freedom of all school librarians, students and community members.

"DLA has continually shown a spotlight on the potential of school librarianship,” said Harry Brake, DASL Past President.  “They’ve created a place at the school librarian table in state conferences and advocated on a legislative level for the new roles school librarians serve. The association also supports the Festival of Words book festival that brings local and national authors to teens and participates in DASL’s all-state professional development. DLA continually allows the sky to be the limit in opportunity for school librarianship."

Said AASL President Courtney Pentland, “The commendations brought forth by AASL Chapters this year are representative of the amazing programs and advocacy efforts happening across the country in support of school libraries, school librarians, and the learners we all serve. I am grateful for organizations like those honored this year that also support literacy and intellectual freedom as these are essential skills and rights for everyone in our communities. We are definitely stronger together, and, through valuable partnerships like these, we can continue to help our learners build a foundation for a better tomorrow.”

All AASL Chapters are eligible to nominate outstanding programs, events, and products for national recognition. To be commended, nominees must align with the principles expressed in the AASL's mission and value statements. The full list of 2023 commendations can be found on the AASL website.

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