91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the . The project 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.

Funded by donations, the Literacy and Justice Project provides free copies of selected banned books for people, especially young people, who want to read them. The project is recognized for standing up for intellectual freedom and the right to read in the state of Missouri.

"The Literacy and Justice Project serves as an important resource for individuals impacted by widespread book bans in the state of Missouri,” said Melissa Corey, MASL Past President. “Working solely through volunteers and donations, the Literacy and Justice Project ensures that citizens have access to books such as ‘Maus’ and ‘The Bluest Eye’, which have been restricted or outright banned in many communities in Missouri. MASL appreciates and commends the Literacy and Justice Project for their important work."

AASL President Courtney Pentland added, “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.