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CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends . The nonprofit is one of twenty outstanding programs, events, and products recognized in 2023 for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves.

Lead to Read KC’s mission is to support the social, emotional and reading skills that are foundational for student success. It does so through reading, mentoring, and tutoring programs; author partnerships; and book distribution. The program is recognized for supporting the literacy needs of students in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area.

"Lead to Read KC's ability to model reading habits to students across the Kansas City metro area is unrivaled,” said Melissa Corey, MASL Past President. “Connecting students with reading mentors who offer one-on-one support to students at elementary schools throughout the city is a huge undertaking. MASL recognizes the important work Lead to Read KC is doing day in and day out to advance academic success in Missouri."

Said AASL President Courtney Pentland, “The commendations brought forth by AASL Chapters this year are representative of the amazing programs and advocacy efforts happening across the country in support of school libraries, school librarians, and the learners we all serve. I am grateful for organizations like those honored this year that also support literacy and intellectual freedom as these are essential skills and rights for everyone in our communities. We are definitely stronger together, and, through valuable partnerships like these, we can continue to help our learners build a foundation for a better tomorrow.”

All AASL Chapters are eligible to nominate outstanding programs, events, and products for national recognition. To be commended, nominees must align with the principles expressed in the AASL's mission and value statements. The full list of 2023 commendations can be found on the.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.