Ten AASL Members Receive Jewish American Heritage Month Collection Development Grants

CHICAGO—Ten American Association of School Librarians (AASL) members have been awarded $500 collection development grants. Generously sponsored by The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the grants allow recipients to create or expand their collections with content that provides context and explores Jewish experience, achievement, and identity as an antidote to antisemitism.

Grant recipients include:

• Erin Baugher, East Rockingham High School (VA)
• Ryan Grant, Medical Lake School District (WA)
• Michelle Hagen, Massillon Jr. High/Intermediate School (OH)
• Mahlon Landis, Seattle Public Schools (WA)
• Skye Silverstein, Rosa International Middle School (NJ)
• Harry Brake, Woodbridge High School (DE)
• Katrina McGrady, Pardes Jewish Day School (AZ)
• Charlotte Chung, Suncrest Elementary School (WV)
• Donna Morris, Daniel Boone Elementary (KY)
• Tracy Morgan, University Place School District (WA)

"We are so moved by the number of applications the AASL received," shared Emily August, the Weitzman's Chief Public Engagement Officers and director of Jewish American Heritage Month. "The awardees and all those who participated show just how special school librarians are and the conscientiousness and care with which they approach their important work. We know especially right now the collection grants will help both Jewish students to feel represented and seen and that all students will benefit from the chance to learn about and celebrate America's diversity."

“These grants not only allow school librarians to expand their collections but also to foster inclusivity and understanding,” said AASL President Courtney Pentland. “Through the generous support of The Weitzman, learners across the country will expand their worldview and students will see themselves in the collection.”

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

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. Standing as a joyful bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate, The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America, inspiring in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. www.theweitzman.org