American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

AASL President’s Program Panel Discusses the Power of Words

CHICAGO – Best-selling author Nic Stone and Cicely Lewis, founder of Read Woke, will join AASL President Kathy Carroll to discuss the need for diverse collections and authentic student inquiry in school libraries during the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) President’s Program during the 2021 ALA Annual Conference. The full AASL schedule of events can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/annual.

New Research Explores Social Media Learning

CHICAGO – New research published in the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), examines activities, motives, and barriers associated with social media learning. SLR promotes and publishes high-quality original research concerning the management, implementation, and evaluation of school libraries. Articles can be accessed for free at www.ala.org/aasl/slr.

Survey Results Show School Librarians Are Integral – During Pandemic School Closures and Beyond

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released the results of its last survey in a series of surveys capturing the state of school libraries during pandemic school closures.  Launched in the spring of 2020, AASL’s surveys have shown the school librarian’s integral role in uncertain circumstances. Results are available at www.ala.org/aasl/snapshot.

2021 Edwards Award winner Kekla Magoon to speak at AASL National Conference

CHICAGO - Kekla Magoon, winner of the 2021 Margaret A. Edwards Award, will keynote the Saturday general session during the 2021 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Conference, taking place October 21-23 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Magoon’s appearance is made possible by Candlewick Press. Full conference information and programming can be found at national.aasl.org.

Maryland Association of School Librarians receives AASL Chapter of the Year Award

CHICAGO – The Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) is the recipient of the 2021 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Chapter of the Year Award. The $1,000 award recognizes the AASL Chapter most active and dynamic in achieving the goals of AASL at the state and local level.

Rebecca Caufman receives AASL Inspire Special Event Grant

CHICAGO – Rebecca Caufman, library media specialist at Radford High School in Radford, Virginia, is one of five school librarians from across the country receiving a 2021 American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Inspire Special Event Grant. Made possible by the generosity of AASL member Marina “Marney” Welmers, the grant program provides funds for public middle or high school libraries to plan a special event to enhance student learning.

Matia Edwards receives AASL Inspire Special Event Grant

CHICAGO – Matia Edwards, media specialist at Griffin High School in Griffin, Georgia, is one of five school librarians from across the country receiving a 2021 American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Inspire Special Event Grant. Made possible by the generosity of AASL member Marina “Marney” Welmers, the grant program provides funds for public middle or high school libraries to plan a special event to enhance student learning.

Janet Parrish receives AASL Inspire Special Event Grant

CHICAGO – Janet Parrish, library media specialist at Butler Traditional High School in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of five school librarians from across the country receiving a 2021 American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Inspire Special Event Grant. Made possible by the generosity of AASL member Marina “Marney” Welmers, the grant program provides funds for public middle or high school libraries to plan a special event to enhance student learning.

Melissa Raymer receives AASL Inspire Special Event Grant

CHICAGO – Melissa Raymer, librarian liaison for DC Virgo Preparatory Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of five school librarians from across the country receiving a 2021 American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Inspire Special Event Grant. Made possible by the generosity of AASL member Marina “Marney” Welmers, the grant program provides funds for public middle or high school libraries to plan a special event to enhance student learning.

Chris Peeler receives AASL Inspire Special Event Grant

CHICAGO – Chris Peeler, library media specialist at Heather Ridge School in Frederick, Maryland, is one of five school librarians from across the country receiving a 2021 American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Inspire Special Event Grant. Made possible by the generosity of AASL member Marina “Marney” Welmers, the grant program provides funds for public middle or high school libraries to plan a special event to enhance student learning.