AASL Commends Book Riot's Weekly Censorship Roundup and Archives by Kelly Jensen

CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the Louisiana Association of School Librarians (LASL) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends Book Riot's Weekly Censorship Roundup and Archives by Kelly Jensen. The news roundup is one of twenty outstanding programs, events, and products recognized in 2023 for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves.

Book Riot’s Weekly Censorship News Roundup and Archives by Kelly Jensen is recognized for helping defend the intellectual freedom of all school librarians, students, and community members by curating resources to educate and empower the public to fight censorship. The resolution from LASL was co-signed by 25 other AASL Chapters before submission.

“Kelly works tirelessly to provide up-to-date, accurate information of censorship attempts not only in Louisiana, but across the country,” said LASL Past President Amanda Jones. “Her support of school and public librarians, through her articles and social media posts, has been vital during these unprecedented attacks on our libraries. Kelly's efforts to keep school librarians informed, as well as voicing opposition to censorship, have been vital in helping keep age relevant books in the hands of Louisiana residents.”

AASL President Courtney Pentland added, “The commendations brought forth by AASL Chapters this year are representative of the amazing programs and advocacy efforts happening across the country in support of school libraries, school librarians, and the learners we all serve. I am grateful for organizations like those honored this year that also support literacy and intellectual freedom as these are essential skills and rights for everyone in our communities. We are definitely stronger together, and, through valuable partnerships like these, we can continue to help our learners build a foundation for a better tomorrow.”

All AASL Chapters are eligible to nominate outstanding programs, events, and products for national recognition. To be commended, nominees must align with the principles expressed in the AASL's mission and value statements. The full list of 2023 commendations can be found on the AASL website.

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