AASL President Becky Calzada Honors The Librarians Filmmakers and Book Riot’s Kelly Jensen with Presidential Commendations

CHICAGO – During the 2025 ALA Annual Conference, held June 26–30 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, American Association of School Librarians (AASL) President Becky Calzada awarded her Presidential Commendations in recognition of outstanding advocacy for school libraries, school librarians, and intellectual freedom.

Calzada honored the creative team behind the powerful documentary The Librarians, which spotlights the courage and resilience of school librarians on the front lines of the fight against censorship. Recipients of the commendation from the film include:

• Sarah Jessica Parker, Executive Producer
• Lois Vossen, Executive Producer
• Hallee Adelman, Executive Producer
• Kim A. Snyder, Director & Producer
• Janique L. Robillard, Producer
• Maria Cuomo Cole, Producer
• Jana Edelbaum, Producer

In addition, author, advocate, and Book Riot contributor Kelly Jensen was also recognized with a Presidential Commendation for her unwavering commitment to elevating the voices of school librarians and defending students’ right to read.

President Calzada praised the honorees for their meaningful and impactful contributions, noting that their work “amplifies the essential role of school libraries and school librarian in upholding intellectual freedom and ensuring equitable access to information for all learners.”

During her tenure as AASL President, Becky Calzada has led with a thoughtful, collaborative approach rooted in outreach, storytelling, and the power of collective action. “These commendations reflect the widespread support that exists for school libraries and librarians—even in the face of adversity,” Calzada shares. “We’re not just telling stories—we’re inviting the world in. We’re calling on stakeholders to actively champion school libraries, to recognize their role in upholding democracy and intellectual freedom. Let’s carry forward this shared momentum and remember to never underestimate the impact of even the smallest acts of courage in igniting lasting change.”

About The Librarians
The Librarians is a powerful and timely documentary directed by Kim A. Snyder that spotlights the courageous school librarians on the frontlines of the fight against censorship in America. Set against the backdrop of rising book bans and educational restrictions, the film follows the personal and professional journeys of librarians from Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and New Jersey—each facing public scrutiny, political pressure, and even threats for defending students’ rights to read freely. Through intimate storytelling and urgent advocacy, The Librarians celebrates these everyday heroes and underscores the vital role of school libraries in preserving intellectual freedom, democracy, and the free exchange of ideas. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker and Ali Scher for Pretty Matches Productions.

About Book Riot and Kelly Jensen
Book Riot is dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and perspectives in the world of books and reading. Known for its smart, inclusive, and deeply engaged content, Book Riot offers podcasts, newsletters, reviews, and commentary that reach millions of readers each year. Among its standout contributors is Kelly Jensen, a veteran editor, author, and former teen librarian, whose work focuses on young adult literature, censorship, intellectual freedom, and the intersection of books and social justice. As co-host of the Hey YA podcast and a frequent voice across Book Riot’s platforms, Jensen brings insight, advocacy, and a deep passion for teen readers to every conversation. She is also the editor of influential anthologies including Don't Call Me Crazy and Body Talk and is widely recognized for her reporting and commentary on book bans and challenges across the United States.

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