AASL Members Receive Jewish American Heritage Month Collection Development Grants

CHICAGO—Fifteen American Association of School Librarians (AASL) members have been awarded $500 collection development grants. Generously sponsored by The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the grants allow recipients to create or expand their collections with content that provides context and explores Jewish experience, achievement, and identity as an antidote to antisemitism.

Grant recipients include:

• Cassandra Barnett, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (AR)
• Amanda Bird, Gardner High School (KS)
• Melissa Giblin, Tri-C Elementary School (IL)
• Jordan Henry, White Knoll Middle School (SC)
• Trisha Heyer, Fairfax County Public Schools (VA)
• Sarah Logan, Dorothy Fox Elementary (WA)
• Amy Sue Manley, Parchment School District (MI)
• Katrina McGrady, Pardes Jewish Day School (AZ)
• Renee Neiger, Cranbury Elementary School (CT)
• Cherity Pennington, Shawnee Middle School (OK)
• Ivana Renteria, University School of Milwaukee (WI)
• Josie Silver, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy (MI)
• Beth Thomas, Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School (NJ)
• Susan Trower, West Sound Academy (WA)
• Tracey Wong, White Plains CSD (NY)

"We are so moved by the number of applications the AASL received," shared Emily August, the Weitzman's Chief Public Engagement Officer and director of Jewish American Heritage Month. "The awardees and all those who participated show just how special school librarians are and the conscientiousness and care with which they approach their important work. We know, especially right now, the collection grants will help both Jewish students to feel represented and seen, and that all students will benefit from the chance to learn about and celebrate America's diversity."

“Thanks to the generous support of The Weitzman, these grants empower school librarians to build inclusive collections that reflect diverse identities, foster understanding, and provide meaningful context for exploring and celebrating Jewish heritage,” said AASL President Becky Calzada. “We are grateful for The Weitzman’s continued partnership in expanding learners’ worldviews and supporting school libraries nationwide.”

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

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. Standing as a joyful bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate, The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America, inspiring in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. www.theweitzman.org

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a national month of recognition of the more than 365-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture, celebrated each May per Presidential Proclamation. JAHM serves as an antidote to antisemitism by lifting up the indelible contributions American Jews have made, and continue to make, to our nation’s history, culture, and society. JewishAmericanHeritage.org