Vernon Hills High School named National School Library of the Year

CHICAGO – Vernon Hills High School, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is the recipient of the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) 2026 National School Library of the Year (NSLY) Award. Sponsored by Follett Content, the NSLY Award annually honors a school library that exemplifies the implementation of AASL's National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Vernon Hills High School will receive a crystal obelisk – the symbol of school library excellence – and $10,000 toward its school library.

Committee co-chair Cherity Pennington shared, “What impressed the committee most was the program’s intentionality, whether in building an inclusive, student-informed collection or embedding ethical technology and AI use into instruction. This is a forward-thinking library that meets students where they are and prepares them for what’s next.”

Grace Pyo, a junior at Vernon Hills High School, shares, “Every morning when I walk into the LMC, I see students crafting, laughing, reading, studying, and relaxing… For me, the library is my second home. It became that because of the connections I’ve made with the staff, who make the space feel safe and supportive.” Amelie Stanis, also a junior at Vernon Hills added, “there are literal windows and mirrors reflecting the metaphors that a book is either a glance into the soul of another or a glimpse of one like your own that books let us see into others or ourselves… A glance around the library shows its true wonder: a place where all kinds of people come together with one shared purpose - the pursuit of knowledge.”

“The Vernon Hills High School library program stands out for its deep integration into teaching and learning,” said committee co-chair Sam Northern. “From collaborative research instruction to schoolwide literacy initiatives, the library team has created a model where students are actively engaged, supported, and empowered every day.”

School superintendent Marc Schaffer shared, “The LMC, under the leadership of Monica Caldicott, is a dynamic learning hub that goes far beyond checking out materials. It provides equitable access to the resources and guidance students need-whether conducting research, exploring global issues, or finding a quiet space for reflection. Through focused instruction in research strategies, source evaluation, and inquiry-based learning, the library ensures every student is supported and challenged, lifting the floor for those who need extra guidance and raising the ceiling for those ready to excel.”

“Vernon Hills High School exemplifies the future of school librarianship,” said AASL president Amanda Kordeliski. “This school library demonstrates how libraries can serve as instructional partners, innovation hubs, and welcoming spaces that support both academic achievement and student well-being.”

“We are honored to support a program that exemplifies the very best of school librarianship- innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Britten Follett, CEO of Follett Content Solutions.

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.

About Follett Content Solutions
Follett Content partners with public and school libraries to support reading, learning, and discovery for communities of all ages. Serving libraries worldwide since 1873, Follett Content provides curated print collections, databases, hands-on learning resources, and services, backed by industry-leading processing, fulfillment, and ordering tools. Working with more than 18,000 publishers and partners, Follett Content helps libraries meet evolving needs with scale, reliability, and trusted experience. Learn more follettcontent.com or follow us @follettcontent.