Frances Henne Award
Sponsored by Libraries Unlimited
Monetary Amount: $1,250
The current award cycle has ended. The award applications will open on September 1, 2025.
2025 Recipient
Shannon Bailey, School Librarian
Manchester High School
Midlothian, Virginia
"Being a school librarian is an absolute joy! Every day I learn through collaborating with dynamic colleagues, helping students broaden their world and skills, and creating engaging library experiences. As a lifelong learner, I love gaining knowledge, improving my craft, and traveling. Winning the Frances Henne Award is a phenomenal honor that will allow me to do all three. The national conference, networking, and new ideas will invigorate me and my school community. Thank you."
Overview
The AASL Frances Henne Award recognizes a school librarian with five years or less experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with learners, educators, and administrators. The award provides a stipend for the recipient's first-time attendance at an AASL National Conference or ALA Annual Conference.
Eligibility
- The applicant shall be a current AASL personal member.
- The applicant shall be currently employed as a school librarian at the building-level and have from 1-5 years experience as a school librarian. School library experience should not exceed 5 years.
- The applicant shall have no previous attendance at an ALA Annual Conference or an AASL National Conference.
Criteria
All applications for the grant will be judged against the following criteria:
- Quality of professional statement.
- Content of professional statement.
- Professional statement style.
- Potential for future leadership.
Download Criteria & Rating Sheets
* Please note: This downloadable version is for informational purposes only. All applications must be submitted online, via the Apply Now button that will appear at the top of the page when the next award season opens in early September.
Questions
Allison Cline
Deputy Executive Director
Past Recipients
2024 Gabriela Gualano
2023 Molly Dettmann
2022 Ashley Long
2021 Maria Frederick
2020 Andrea Trudeau
2019 Holly Schwarzmann
2018 Deb Sondall Saetveit
2017 Julie Stivers
2016 Kate Lechtenberg
2015 Diana Rendina
2014 Carolyn Stenzel
2013 Amy Jo Southworth
2012 Alisa Auchmoedy-Finck
2011 Shannon Hyman
2010 Melanie Gibson
2009 Jill Mantel
2008 Sarah Prielipp
2007 Jessica Klinker
2006 Gladys Fox
2005 John McDonald
2004 Cynthia Welsh
2003 Teresa Diaz
2002 Laura Stiles
2001 Katherine Grant Cadden
2000 Carl A. Harvey II
1999 Marsha Trentham Hunter
1998 Kimberly A. Grimes
1997 Roxanna K. Morse
1996 Jane Baldwin
1995 Suzanne Shearman
1994 Robert Craig Bunch
1993 Susan Elizabeth Bucko
1992 Barbara A. Jansen
1991 David Wayne Calendar
1990 Joan Enders
1989 Kathleen Rooney Sornsin
1988 Jane Louise Thomas
1987 Nancy Quesada Moreno
1986 Kathryn Smrekar