Description and History
School Library Month is the American Association of School Librarians' celebration of school librarians and school libraries. Every April school librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning.The AASL efforts for a national School Library Month were spearheaded by Lucille Thomas, chair of the School Library Media Month Committee. Thomas was appointed by President Judy King in 1983. Their work came to fruition on April 1, 1985, when AASL officials, local and national dignitaries got the first School Library Month off to a rousing start with a ceremony on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. Learn more about the history of School Library Month.
Promotional & Advocacy Tools
Administrator Toolkit
Use the materials below as conversation starters with your administrator.
- Librarians not only craft their instruction to meet state standards and expectations, but also look to the National School Library Standards as a foundation for learning. This four page guide is an overview of the Standards for Learners.
- Want to hear from administrators on what they think of school libraries? AASL has an entire YouTube playlist of videos like the one below:
- This research-based infographic about the positive impact of school librarians also indicates eight characteristics of libraries with high student achievement.Share with your administrator to discuss how administrator support of school librarians greatens their impact on student learning.
- This 23 page impact study from the Northeast Comprehensive Center takes a deep look at the four main roles of a school librarian and how they empower student learning and success.
- Top Two Issues School Librarians Wish their Administrators Knew examines the impact increased technology responsibilities and “other duties as assigned” have on student learning and library programs. This Knowledge Quest blog post is authored by the School Library Journal’s 2021 Librarian of the Year, Amanda Jones.
Spread the Word
Invite Observation
Provide your administrator with your own observation checklist. This checklist inspired by middle school librarian, Linda Mitchell, asks an administrator to quickly notice what is happening in the library space on impromptu visits. You may wish to post a request to “Observe Me” outside of your door with a scannable QR code to a feedback form. Merge this idea with “Pineapple Charts” and you may wish to post a Pineapple Invitation (Canva template) at your doors.
Invite Fellow Librarians to Celebrate
Host a School Library Pal name exchange for the month. Carolyn Vibbert shares her tips and Google Form questions for others to execute their own Secret Librarian exchange.
Proclamation Templates
Ask your school and elected officials and request they proclaim the month of April as School Library Month! The following samples are based on actual proclamations shared with AASL by its members. They are presented here as templates that can be downloaded and modified to fit your needs.
Governor 1 | Governor 2 | Governor 3 | Mayor 1 | Mayor 2 | Town Council | Board of Education 1 | Board of Education 2
Graphics and Presentation Templates
Click an image below to download a zip file containing graphics, a PowerPoint template, and a poster you can use to create your own School Library Month celebration! Graphics are freely available for use provided no alterations are made and that the posting is for education, noncommercial purposes only.
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Spokespeople Videos
Embed these videos from School Library Month Spokespeople on your library website or share across social media to spread the word on the importance of school libraries.
Professional Learning Resources
Empowering Next Gens With Media Literacy
Live Webinar: Tuesday, April 11 6:00 p.m. Central
Join AASL and the Getting Better Foundation for a panel discussion on the importance of media literacy in education and the need for school librarians as the educators who teach this foundational skill. Panelists include Dr. Belinha De Abreu, President of the International Council for Media Literacy and founder of the International Media Literacy Research Symposium, with more to be announced. AASL President Kathy Lester will moderate.
AASL "Trust Me" Documentary Watch Party
Supplement the Empowering Next Gens With Media Literacy panel discussion by watching a special School Library Month viewing of the documentary, Trust Me. Produced by the Getting Better Foundation, Trust Me explores how media technology is influencing society and what can be done about it. The film uses compelling human stories, facts, and experts to show empirical realities and the right way to consume media. Proceeds from viewings will be split between AASL and the Getting Better Foundation.
AASL Town Hall | Celebrate School Library Month
AASL President Kathy Lester and members of the AASL School Library Event Promotion Committee to explore ways school librarians can celebrate the essential role they and their school libraries play in transforming learning.
Celebrate School Library Month Webinar
Hear from six school librarians as they share ways to celebrate School Library Month for grades Pre-K to 12.
Learner Engagement Resources
