Did you know that April 2014 is the 29th Anniversary of School Library Month? Originally called School Library Media Month when the legislation was signed into law, the name was changed in 2010 to reflect the professional title change from School Library Media Specialist to School Librarian. You can read all about the history of SLM at http://www.ala.org/aasl/slm/history.

The AASL School Library Month Committee has worked very hard to bring attention to the importance of how “Lives Change @ your school library. On the SLM Website (http://www.ala.org/aasl/slm) you can find links to SLM Spokesperson Jeff Kinney’s PSA’s, our Professional Development four week Webinar Series, the Author Gallery featuring over 145 quotes from authors and illustrators about how school libraries changed their lives and a Tip of the Day Calendar, with tips reflecting author quotes.

Two very important things to take note of are the Student Video Contest and the Declaration to the Right for School Libraries. Students are encouraged to submit short (3 minutes or less) videos showcasing this year’s theme, “Lives Change @your library.” http://www.ala.org/aasl/slm/2014/video

The Declaration for the Right to School Libraries has been adapted with permission from ALA President Barbara Stripling’s “Libraries Change Lives,” with emphasis specifically on school libraries. http://www.ala.org/aasl/slm/2014/declaration. If you have special signing events or any SLM celebrations, please send your photos and videos to Jen Habley (jhabley@ala.org) so that AASL can share them on their Website and through Social Media.