School Library Month
Description and History
School Library Month is the American Association of School Librarians' celebration of school librarians and school libraries. Every April school librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning. The AASL efforts for a national School Library Month were spearheaded by Lucille Thomas, chair of the School Library Media Month Committee. Thomas was appointed by President Judy King in 1983. Their work came to fruition on April 1, 1985, when AASL officials, local and national dignitaries got the first School Library Month off to a rousing start with a ceremony on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. Learn more about the history of School Library Month.
Related Events
- School Librarian Day: April 4
- National Library Week: April 7-13
Promotional & Advocacy Tools
Administrator Toolkit
Use the materials below as conversation starters with your administrator.
- Librarians not only craft their instruction to meet state standards and expectations, but also look to the National School Library Standards as a foundation for learning. This four page guide is an overview of the Standards for Learners.
- Want to hear from administrators on what they think of school libraries? AASL has an entire YouTube playlist of videos like the one below:
Spread the Word
Proclamation Templates
Ask your school and elected officials and request they proclaim the month of April as School Library Month! The following samples are based on actual proclamations shared with AASL by its members. They are presented here as templates that can be downloaded and modified to fit your needs.
Graphics and Presentation Templates
Click below to download a zip file containing graphics, a PowerPoint template, and a poster you can use to create your own School Library Month celebration! Graphics are freely available for use provided no alterations are made and that the posting is for education, noncommercial purposes only.
Spokespeople Videos
Embed these videos from School Library Month Spokespeople on your library website or share across social media to spread the word on the importance of school libraries.
Professional Learning Resources
Empowering Next Gens With Media Literacy
Archived Webinar
AASL and the Getting Better Foundation host a panel discussion on the importance of media literacy in education and the need for school librarians as the educators who teach this foundational skill.
"Trust Me" Guides: Student Notebook | Collegiate Guide | Guide for Educators | Guide for Parents
AASL Town Hall | Supporting Equity, Choice, and Student Voice in the Library
Archived Webinar
There is no better time than School Library Month to talk about providing equity for our students and providing student voice and choice in the library. How do we equitably provide services to our students? How do we provide them choice in the library? How can we include their voice in our services? AASL President Kathy Lester and AASL member panelists discuss our amazing students and how to provide them equity, choice, and voice in our libraries.
Artificial Intelligence in the School Library
Archived Webinar
Presented by the AASL Independent Schools Section, this webinar will explore how AI-enabled search and Open AI will change how school librarians craft library instruction and work with faculty and students.
Our Brave Communities: Embracing School Librarians
Archived Webinar
There are many challenges facing the school library profession including equity of access to certified school librarians for students across the nation and an unprecedented number of book challenges and censorship efforts. You’re invited to join ALA President Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada and AASL President Kathy Lester to learn how everyone in the library ecosystem can support school librarians and their students as they face these challenges.
AASL Town Hall | Celebrate School Library Month
Archived Webinar
AASL President Kathy Lester and members of the AASL School Library Event Promotion Committee to explore ways school librarians can celebrate the essential role they and their school libraries play in transforming learning.
Celebrate School Library Month Webinar
Archived Webinar
Hear from six school librarians as they share ways to celebrate School Library Month for grades Pre-K to 12.
Professional Learning Resources
Mix and match these resources created and curated by the School Library Event Promotion Committee.
Be Creative!
Browse the resources curated to celebrate Crayola Creativity Week and let them inspire you and your learners.
Badges & Graphics
Drop your selfie into this Canva template and proclaim your school librarian pride during School Library Month!
