AASL Commends the Florida Freedom to Read Project

CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the Florida Freedom to Read Project. The project 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.

The Florida Freedom to Read Project is recognized for helping defend the intellectual freedom of all school librarians, students, and community members by curating resources to educate and empower the public to fight censorship.

“Florida Freedom to Read Project has been an invaluable support of FAME, Florida teachers, library media specialists, parents, and students in their efforts to promote intellectual freedom,” said Kathleen Daniels, FAME President. “From trips to Tallahassee to speak with legislators, to virtually organizing groups based on counties to spread awareness of school board meetings and current topics, this organization continues to support us and provide assistance. We are grateful for their help.”

AASL President Courtney Pentland added, “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.