For immediate release | July 29, 2026

AASL President Amanda Kordeliski Honors Pokémon Company International with Presidential Commendation

CHICAGO – During the 2026 ALA Annual Conference, held June 26–29 in Chicago, American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 2025-2026 President Amanda Kordeliski awarded her Presidential Commendation in recognition of The Pokémon Company International’s dedication to inspiring literacy, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Through the Pokémon Club program, The Pokémon Company International has demonstrated how play, literacy, creativity, and community can come together to create welcoming spaces where every student has an opportunity to connect, learn, and belong, said Kordeliski. This partnership has empowered school librarians to engage new audiences and inspire a lifelong love of learning.”

The AASL Presidential Commendation recognizes organizations whose work meaningfully advances the mission of school libraries.

“We are deeply honored to receive the AASL Presidential Commendation for bringing the joy and community of Pokémon to school libraries,” said Barry Sams, Vice President of Game Development and Community Engagement, at The Pokémon Company International. “Some of our most meaningful partnerships are those that create lasting opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and grow. We look forward to working alongside AASL and school librarians to support the extraordinary impact libraries have in fostering curiosity, belonging, and lifelong learning. We are proud that the Pokémon Club program has become one more way for students to discover the power of their school library."

Pokémon Clubs are available to AASL and ALSC members in both school libraries and public libraries, ensuring that children from all backgrounds and communities have access to these clubs. AASL and ALSC members interested in starting a Pokémon Club can visit www.ala.org/pokemon for more information and to submit an application.

About Pokémon
https://www.pokemon.com/usThe Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, please visit www.pokemon.com.

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

Contact:

Allison Cline

Interim Executive Director

AASL

acline@ala.org

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