Gabriela Gualano receives AASL Frances Henne Award

CHICAGO – Gabriela Gualano, teacher librarian at Paul Revere Middle School in Los Angeles, California, is the recipient of the 2024 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Frances Henne Award. Sponsored by Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, the $1,250 award recognizes a school librarian with five years or less experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with students, teachers, and administrators. The award will enable Gualano to attend an AASL National Conference for the first time.

“The committee and I were impressed with the difference Gabriela has made to her school and its library in just a few short years by turning it into a ‘hub of intellectual curiosity,’ as one of her colleagues described it to us,” said Elizabeth Kahn, award committee chair. “The fact that she takes advantage of opportunities for professional growth and takes on leadership roles in her district is evidence to us that she is committed to building ways to give back to our profession. We will be looking for Gabriela at the next AASL National Conference!”

Gualano’s colleague, Patricia Barbieri, an English teacher at Paul Revere Middle School, shared that, “Gabriela's passion for her work, combined with her eagerness to learn and innovate, makes her an ideal candidate for participation in AASL. I have no doubt that the knowledge and skills she acquires at the conference will have a positive impact on our school community. Her attendance will not only benefit her professional growth but will also contribute to the continued improvement of our library services and, consequently, the overall educational experience of our students.”

“To see someone new to the profession already leading at the state level reinforces that the future of school librarianship is in good hands,” said AASL President, Courtney Pentland. “Gabriela chairing the Library Professionals Committee in her union and serving as vice-president of communications for the Los Angeles School Librarians Association enabled her to become a critical connecting point for so many organizations that can advance the role of school librarians in her state. I applaud her commitment to growth by seeking out opportunities at the national level.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2025 AASL National Conference taking place October 16-19 in St. Louis, Missouri.

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

Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited (formerly known as Libraries Unlimited) is the premier publisher of educational and professional resources for librarians and information services specialists. Our line encompasses prestigious library science textbooks, information science resources, professional handbooks, and monographs, as well as manuals for library educators, graduate students, and practicing librarians.