Julianne Moore spokesperson for 2015 School Library Month

CHICAGO – Julianne Moore, award winning actress and bestselling author, will serve as the national spokesperson for the 2015 observance and 30th anniversary of School Library Month (SLM). Celebrated in April and sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), School Library Month honors the essential role that strong school library programs play in a student's educational career.

“The School Library Month committee is thrilled that Julianne Moore, actress, author, and advocate for children’s literacy will be the spokesperson for the 30th anniversary of School Library Month,” said Susan Hess, chair. “In one of the most retweeted posts in the SLM 2014 author gallery, Moore said about school libraries, ‘School libraries are the best. I grew up spending most of my time in them. I really depended on librarians to guide me, and I am forever in their debt.’”

“School libraries make a difference,” said Moore. “I moved around a lot as a young child, and the first place I would visit in a new place was the school library. The librarians guided me, encouraged me, and set the stage for my lifelong love of reading. As educators, school librarians have a tremendous impact on our students’ personal and intellectual growth. School libraries foster creativity, innovation, play, and experimentation and offer a nurturing, and safe place for children to learn. I have a lot of love for librarians.”

Moore is the bestselling author of the Freckleface Strawberry series, inspired by growing up as a redheaded girl covered in freckles. The books share the message that “the things that make you different also make you, YOU.” The first book in the series has been adapted into “Freckleface the Musical,” and Moore has created two apps based on the series – “Freckleface Strawberry: Monster Maker” and “Freckleface Strawberry Dreamtime Playtime.” Moore is also the author of “My Mom is a Foreigner, But Not to Me,” inspired by her mother who emigrated to the United States from Scotland.

Currently starring in the third installment of the Hunger Games series, “Mockingjay – Part 1,” Moore has been described as one of the most talented and accomplished actresses of her generation. She is a four-time Academy Award® nominee and eight-time Golden Globe nominee®.  In 2012, Moore won an Emmy®, Golden Globe® and SAG Award® for her role in the miniseries, “Game Change.” Her upcoming movies include the fantasy adventure “The Seventh Son” and a reprise of her role as President Alma Coin in “Mockingjay – Part 2.”

"I know that all school librarians will join me in saying ‘thank you’ to Julianne Moore for agreeing to be the spokesperson for School Library Month and her support of school libraries,” said Terri Grief, AASL president. “Julianne is a high profile star and has graciously agreed to do a PSA for us - great to use for advocacy at your local school! Everyone who sees these will recognize this fabulous celebrity and her wonderful commitment to literacy. Thank you so much, Julianne!"

More information on the 2015 School Library Month celebration can be found on the AASL website at www.ala.org/aasl/slm.

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