| | | AASL empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning. | | | | | AASL announces publication of the second edition of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries Published by AASL and ALA Editions, the newly released second edition of "National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries" equips school librarians with the tools they need to advocate for their critical role in education. In addition, this updated text ensures school librarians are positioned to remain indispensable and impactful, meeting the evolving needs of all learners in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. Call for Candidates: Help Lead the Future of School Librarianship
Are you ready to make a difference in the future of school librarianship? AASL is now seeking candidates to run for elected positions on the AASL Board of Directors and in its three member sections. The AASL Board -- made up of elected leaders -- guides the association's mission through strategic planning and policy development. Each member section also offers a unique leadership path: ESLS supports educators preparing future librarians, ISS fosters collaboration among independent school professionals and SPVS empowers supervisors to lead and innovate. This is your opportunity to contribute your voice, expertise, and vision to shape the future of the profession. Learn more and submit your interest today at www.ala.org/aasl/engage. | AASL Gathering | Wellness First: Back-to-School Strategies for School Librarians Start the school year with strength and purpose in a masterclass led by wellness advocate and ALA Past President Loida Garcia-Febo. Drawing from her own experience as a school librarian, Loida shares practical strategies to protect your well-being, recognize burnout, and set healthy boundaries. Discover realistic self-care practices and reflective tools to help you stay resilient, reconnect with your values, and thrive in your role as both educator and student advocate. | | The School Librarian's Guide to (Almost) Everything Packed with current advice based on AASL Standards, Common Beliefs, and ALA/AASL Position Statements, bestselling author Maura Madigan's book, The School Librarian's Guide to (Almost) Everything, provides to-the-point answers on many of the most common questions and conundrums faced by today's school librarians. Published by AASL and ALA Editions, the publication offers practical wisdom on nearly one hundred topics related to school libraries in a friendly, conversational tone. | ALA Seeks Candidates for Ala President-Elect and Councilor at Large Positions The ALA Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for the positions of ALA president-elect and councilor-at-large on the 2026 spring ballot. When AASL members serve in ALA roles, they help ensure that AASL's priorities-like strong school library and certified librarians in every school-are integrated into ALA's strategic planning and initiatives. ALA members may self-nominate or recommend a candidate. Nominations are due September 15. Call for Proposals Open for ALA Annual 2026
ALA invites education program and poster proposals for the ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 25–29, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois-a milestone event marking ALA's 150th Anniversary. The ALA Annual Conference is a powerful platform to highlight the unique challenges and successes of school libraries. AASL member presentations helps ensure that the voices of school librarians are heard in broader conversations about education, literacy, and information access. Proposals are due September 22. | | | | We Need Diverse Books Brings Literature to Life at AASL National Conference General Session During the Friday general session, We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) will present a dynamic Friday keynote panel featuring bestselling authors Soman Chainani and Ellen Oh, school librarian Lauren Mobley, and moderator Jordan Lloyd Bookey. Together, they'll explore how author studies can enrich literacy instruction, share real-world classroom experiences, and offer practical strategies for engaging students with literature in meaningful ways. | | Deadline Extended: Submit Your Purchase Orders by September 8 Planning to attend AASL25? Organizations with ALA Store accounts-such as schools, libraries, and educational groups-can take advantage of purchase orders at the AASL25 Bookstore! This convenient option allows you to access member pricing, skip shipping fees, use professional development funds, and pick up materials on-site. Submit your PO by Monday, September 8 to have your order ready for pickup at the conference. | | 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! | | Save $20 on Registration through September 30 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 AASL20 before September 30 and save $20 on full conference registration! | | | AASL Chapter News & Events | | | * Indicates group membership required. | | | Children's Book Council Opens Nominations for 2026 CBC Graphic Novel Advocate Award 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. Nominations are due September 17. New "Keep Bans Off Our Books" Kit Available The Children's Book Council and Every Child a Reader are offering a new "Keep Bans Off Our Books" kit for librarians in support of the right to free speech and against censorship and book bans. Librarians can sign up to receive multiple versions of the #FREADOM coloring pages (for you to photocopy), as well as a sheet of original "Keep Bans Off Our Books" stickers. New Free Posters from FTRF Promote First Amendment Awareness The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) Education Committee has released six free, downloadable posters designed to help public libraries support young people's First Amendment rights. Each double-sided, full-color poster highlights how libraries provide access to diverse materials and services, while also explaining key court cases that protect these rights. Additionally, a full-size glossy First Amendment poster is available by request via the FTRF First Amendment page. | | | | | | | | | AASL IN THE KNOW | September 2025: Kick-Off AASL25 | | | | | | | | Copyright © 2025 AASL, All rights reserved. AASL, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601 ALA Privacy Policy | | | | | | | |