Scholastic to be honored with AASL Crystal Apple

Contact: Kathy Agarwal

Communications Specialist

312-280-4381

kagarwal@ala.org

For Immediate Release

June 18, 2007

Scholastic to be honored with AASL Crystal Apple

CHICAGO - The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce that President Cyndi Phillip has selected Scholastic Library Publishing as the recipient of the 2007 Crystal Apple Award. The award is given at the discretion of the AASL president to an individual or group who has had significant impact on school libraries and students.

In her recommendation, Phillip specifically cited Scholastic’s support for the school library media field through its production and distribution of “School Libraries Work,” a compilation of state studies on the impact of school library media programs on student achievement.

“Scholastic’s 'School Libraries Work’ provides a solid foundation for school library media advocacy efforts,” said Phillip. “The document carries a strong message about the value of school library media programs for student achievement and academic success and cites research studies to prove it. AASL recognizes Scholastic’s efforts to fund this publication and its continued support of the school library media profession.”

The 2007 AASL President's Crystal Apple Award will be presented to Richard Robinson, President of Scholastic Library Publishing, at a ceremony and luncheon on Monday, June 25, during the 2007 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. For more information about this event, and more AASL programs in Washington, please see http://www.ala.org/aasl/annual.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library media services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library media field.