AASL Commends Anderson Reads

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends Anderson Reads, approving a resolution made by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL), an AASL Chapter. AASL annually recognizes outstanding programs, events, and products nominated by AASL Chapters for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves. The full list of 2024 commendations can be found on the AASL website.

The Anderson Reads organization is recognized for defending the intellectual freedom of all South Carolina students by mobilizing community members to speak up for First Amendment rights.

Said SCASL President Jamie Gregory, “The Anderson Reads organization educates, empowers, and assists community members in the fight against censorship by attending and speaking at school district and public library board meetings; sharing example statements for emails, phone calls, and public comments; sharing book resumes in order to defend books; encouraging members to apply for open library board positions; and supporting the South Carolina Association of School Librarians in its fight to defend intellectual freedom by serving as the community and parent voice when defending books and library access for students and patrons. SCASL deeply appreciates the support of Anderson Reads as a partner in the fight to protect intellectual freedom rights.”

AASL President Becky Calzada added, “Our AASL Chapters have brought forth eighteen stellar commendations. These recognitions highlight the advocacy of intellectual freedom, access of inclusive literature, celebrates students' use of media and technology that incorporates the integration of AASL Standards and advances the understanding of school librarians as educators. The AASL Board of Directors is grateful for the keen eyes of our state chapter leaders for bringing these resolutions forward. Commendations acknowledge and expand awareness of the important work happening in many local communities in support of school libraries, school librarians and the learners they serve.”

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 2024 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.