AASL to Host a Screening of The Librarians

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) will host a screening of the documentary The Librarians, from Oscar-nominated and Peabody Award-winning director and producer Kim A. Snyder, at the AASL National Conference. Sponsored by the Rosen Publishing Group, this exclusive event will take place on Friday, October 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the AASL National Conference at the St. Louis Convention Center.

“The Librarians lays bare the cost of silence and the power of courage,” said AASL President Amanda Kordeliski. “AASL is hosting this screening not just to inform, but to reconnect, as it brings us together as a community of resistance, resilience, and resolve.”

Produced by Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, and Jana Edelbaum, in collaboration with PBS/Independent Lens, with executive producers including Sarah Jessica Parker and children’s author Hallee Adelman, the film highlights librarians at the forefront of democracy, truth, and access to information. The film has won nine jury and audience awards.

AASL Immediate Past President, and participant in the film, Becky 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 never to underestimate the impact of even the smallest acts of courage in igniting lasting change.”

“We’re proud to sponsor the screening of The Librarians and help shine a light on the essential role school librarians play in empowering students, strengthening communities, and shaping the future. This documentary reflects the values we believe in—access to knowledge, equity in education, and the power of stories to inspire change,” said Miriam Gilbert, VP, Rosen Digital.

AASL National Conference Committee Chairs, Arlene Laverde, Jennifer Sturge, and Carolyn Vibbert shared, “school librarians always highlight the importance of our learners being seen in the stories they read.  As a profession, gathering from across the country and around the globe, and having this shared experience brings our collective strength into focus.”

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion. This screening is only open to conference attendees. Visit national.aal.org to register.

The AASL National Conference is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. A one-of-a-kind conference, the 2025 AASL National Conference will feature daily keynotes, more than 150 concurrent sessions, author panels, research into practice sessions, more than 120 exhibitors, the best practice IdeaLab, poster presentations, author signings, and endless networking opportunities. Content provided at the conference will be rooted in AASL's National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.

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 Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. is an independent publishing house. Established in 1950 as a family business, Rosen has served educators and students Pre-K-12 with high-interest, curriculum correlated educational materials for decades.