AASL launches where learning never ends digital storytelling contest

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) invites students to participate in a digital storytelling contest held as part of the 2015 celebration of School Library Month. The contest asks students to reflect on the 2015 theme, “Your School Library: Where Learning Never Ends” and create a story using a website recognized as an AASL Best Website for Teaching & Learning.

Special author guest judges – Susan Verde, Amy Ignatow, Trevor Pryce and Lauren Myracle – will review entries and determine contest winners. Winners will receive a set of books signed and personalized by the judging author. Prizes and author judges are graciously provided by ABRAMS.

Submissions for the storytelling contest will be accepted until midnight on March 6 and winners will be announced throughout School Library Month. Each entry will first be reviewed by a panel of AASL judges, and the top three point earners from each grade level will be sent to guest judges for final determination.

"This contest will be so fun," said AASL President Terri Grief. "Students are going to use really cool websites and get to be wonderfully creative. We're so excited to also have these great judges that have volunteered their time. I can't wait to see the winners. This is a super way to show off your school library."

Student collaboration with educator support is encouraged; however, school librarians are asked to limit their help in the production of digital stories. Contest rules and eligibility can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/slm/2015/storytelling.

School Library Month (SLM) is the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) annual celebration of school librarians and their programs. Every April school librarians are encouraged to create activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school library programs play in transforming learning. Julianne Moore, award-winning actress and best-selling author, is the national spokesperson for the 2015 observance.

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