| | | AASL empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning. | | | | | Evolving Standards for an Evolving Profession: Introducing the Second Edition of the National School Library Standards AASL proudly unveils the second edition of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries-a timely, research-informed update shaped by extensive practitioner input and the evolving educational landscape. This blog offers a behind-the-scenes look at the multi-year development process, spotlighting key findings from national surveys and focus groups that directly influenced the structure, content, and practical tools in the new edition. Learn how these insights led to a more streamlined, practitioner-friendly design; stronger emphasis on literacy, equity, and digital fluency; and the addition of real-world scenarios, grade-band examples, and administrator supports. Discover how the second edition empowers school librarians to lead, collaborate, and advocate more effectively in today's dynamic learning environments. | | Empowering Student Volunteers in the School Library Empowering students will not only assist you in balancing the day-to-day operations of the school library, it will also give learners the valuable experience they need for their future growth while fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their tasks. Published by AASL and ALA Editions, "From Learners to Leaders" offers a roadmap for giving your learners the guidance and direction to take the lead in running their school library space and teaching their peers. | | AI Guidance for School Librarians The sudden appearance of AI in educational settings is exciting and transformative-and also disorienting. In "Leveraging AI in School Libraries: From Basics to Best Practices," published by AASL and ALA Editions, Delandrus Lenet Ieashea Seales offers practical strategies, insights, and tools for school librarians to thoughtfully, inclusively, and confidently integrate AI into their daily instructional and working practices. | Strengthen Your Library's Impact with a Standards-Aligned Scope and Sequence Registration is now open for the upcoming AASL webinar: Charting Your Course: Creating a Scope and Sequence to Strengthen the School Library's Impact! With the second edition of the National School Library Standards now released, it's the perfect time to reexamine how you integrate the AASL Standards into your school library instruction and your content-area collaborations. Join us on November 6 at 6:00 PM CT for a practical, interactive session designed to help you build a clear, customized Scope and Sequence that guides instruction, supports student learning, and elevates your advocacy efforts. Don't miss this opportunity to align, reflect, and lead with purpose-register today! | Pokémon Club Kits Now Available for ALSC & AASL Members! ALSC and AASL, in partnership with the Pokémon Company, are excited to announce a new initiative – the Pokémon Club program! Participants will receive a kit to run friendly, inclusive spaces in which young Trainers can learn and develop skills through playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Players can learn strategic thinking, math, reading comprehension, and creativity. Learn more and apply now. Note: You MUST be an ALSC or AASL member to participate. | New Research Examines Recruitment and Retention of Black Female School Librarians
A newly published study in School Library Research explores the experiences of Black female school librarians. In "Perspectives of Black Female School Librarians on Recruitment and Retention," Cynthia Richardson Johnson identifies key themes including pathways to librarianship, representation, and workplace challenges. Through interviews analyzed using a Black Feminist Framework, the research offers insights into improving recruitment and retention and calls for broader future studies. Nominations open for the I Love My Librarian Award
ALA is inviting library users to submit nominations for the I Love My Librarian Award through December 15, 2025-ten amazing librarians will receive $5,000 and the honor of a lifetime. AASL knows school librarians change lives in their communities every day, so please spread the word about this life-changing opportunity! Promotional tools including graphics, social media copy, and a sample press release are all available on the award website. Applications Open for the Carnegie-Whitney Grant
The American Library Association Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. Funded projects have ranged from "A Resource Guide about Disabilities, Disability Theory, and Assistive Technologies" to "A Bibliography for Queer Teens" to "Graphic Novels & the Humanity of Mental Illness" to "Web Accessibility Resources for Libraries". Applications must be received by November 7, 2025. Recipients will be notified by February 2026. ALA Wants to Hear from You During Its 150th Anniversary
ALA is seeking website and podcast contributions from ALA members as it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. AASL seeks stories from members that reflect their experiences with ALA, its legacy, and its history to be featured here at ala150.org and for an ALA oral-history audio series that will be broadcast on ALA's How I Library podcast. These should be stories about the people, policies, and pivotal moments that shaped the Association, its core values (Access, Equity, Intellectual Freedom and Privacy, Public Good, Sustainability), and our country's libraries. | | | | AASL to Host a Screening of The Librarians AASL will host a screening of the documentary The Librarians, from Oscar-nominated and Peabody Award-winning director and producer Kim A. Snyder, at the AASL National Conference. Sponsored by the Rosen Publishing Group, this exclusive event will take place on Friday, October 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the AASL National Conference at the St. Louis Convention Center. | | AASL 2025 National Conference to Feature Renowned Authors in Dynamic Panels The AASL National Conference will bring together a powerhouse lineup of renowned authors and illustrators for dynamic, thought-provoking panels. Attendees will gain exclusive access to conversations that explore how stories shape young readers' empathy, resilience, and identity, offering inspiration and practical strategies they won't find anywhere else. | | From Page to Practice: See Who's Speaking! The schedule for the Page to Practice Stage is now live on the AASL Conference website! Located next to the AASL25 Bookstore on the Exhibit Floor, this dynamic space is where professional reading meets real-world action. Join AASL and ALA Editions authors for fast-paced, high-impact sessions packed with actionable insights and fresh strategies tailored for school librarians. Check out the full lineup and plan to be inspired-these are presentations you won't want to miss! | | Show Your Conference Spirit! Get your AASL25-branded shirts, mugs, totes, and more-available only online. Items will not be sold in the on-site bookstore, so shop in advance and wear your conference gear in St. Louis! Order ASAP to be sure your items arrive in time to pack for conference! | | Still Time to Save on AASL National Conference Registration! AASL25 is almost here! Register today to attend three days packed with education, networking, and new discoveries surrounded by other school librarians from across the country. Highlights include keynotes, 140+ sessions including author panels and research presentations, IdeaLab and Posters, 100+ exhibitors, and endless networking opportunities. Use promo code AASL10 to save $10 when registering! | | | AASL Chapter News & Events | | | | Celebrate how "Color Inspires Creativity" January 26-February 1, 2026! #crayolacreativityweek invites you to a free weeklong virtual event to inspire and engage your entire learning community. With celebrity appearances, hands-on activity videos, downloadable creative resources, daily giveaways, and an online gallery where your students' artwork can take center stage, this is an event you won't want to miss. Register now to be among the first to unlock early access and get all the details! | Nominations for Children's Book Council's 2026 Graphic Novel Advocate Award Due October 10 The CBC Graphic Novel Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2026 CBC Graphic Novel Advocate Award. This annual award honors individuals who are strong and passionate advocates for young readers' graphic novels and display a lifetime of dedication to promoting this format and its presence in classrooms, public and school libraries, and bookstores nationwide. This award similarly recognizes defenders of graphic novels against book bans, particularly those by LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC creators, who have been disproportionally targeted. | | | | | | | | | AASL IN THE KNOW | October 2025: Celebrating Authors at AASL25 | | | | | | | | Copyright © 2025 AASL, All rights reserved. AASL, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601 ALA Privacy Policy | | | | | | | |