North Carolina School Library Media Association Awarded AASL ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant

CHICAGO – North Carolina School Library Media Association is the recipient of the 2026 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Sponsored by Bloomsbury, the $1,750 grant is given to an AASL Chapter for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local level.

NCSLMA’s “School Librarian Advocacy Institute” (SLAI) is a professional learning program designed to empower school librarians to advocate for their roles using practical “micro-activism” strategies that make advocacy approachable and achievable. Through monthly meetings, guest speakers, and two learning pathways, school-level and district-level advocacy, the program builds a supportive cohort that helps librarians develop the skills and confidence to promote the value of school libraries in their communities.

“The School Librarian Advocacy Institute is about giving librarians the confidence and tools they need to tell the story of the powerful work happening in school libraries every day,” said Hilda Weisburg, committee chair. “By focusing on practical micro-activism strategies, SLAI helps librarians see that advocacy doesn’t have to be intimidating, it can start with small actions that create meaningful impact for students and school communities.”

The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant will enable NCSLMA to launch the School Library Advocacy Institute that will:

• Build advocacy capacity among school librarians through practical micro-activism strategies, structured training, and mentorship that support advocacy at the school, district, and state levels.
• Create a supportive cohort and learning pathways that connect librarians, foster collaboration, and provide tools and resources they can immediately use to advocate for their programs.
• Increase awareness and long-term support for school libraries by empowering librarians to communicate their impact on student learning and by developing a replicable advocacy model for other library organizations.

“By equipping librarians with advocacy skills and a strong professional network, the School Librarian Advocacy Institute is helping ensure that school libraries, and the students who rely on them, continue to thrive,” said Amanda Kordeliski, AASL President. “Congratulations to the North Carolina School Library Media Association, and thank you for your dedication and commitment to the school librarians in your state.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2027 AASL National Conference taking place October 14-16 in Portland, Oregon.

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

Bloomsbury/ABC-CLIO is a leading publisher of reference and nonfiction for students, educators, and researchers striving at all levels of academic inquiry. Whether it be primary documents, historical reference, or audiovisual resources, we are committed to enhancing the research experience with engaging and dynamic digital resources of the highest quality.