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CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) proudly announces the launch of the AASL Past-Presidents Planning Grant for National School Library Standards. Three grants in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded annually to AASL Affiliate organizations for the planning and execution of an event, initiative or activity focused on the implementation of the new AASL .

The two 2018 grants sponsored by Roger and Susan D. Ballard will be awarded to Affiliates in honor of AASL Past Presidents Judy King and Ruth Toor. Future grants will honor E. Blanche Woolls, David Loertscher, Carl Harvey II, and Gail K. Dickinson.

"I have always regarded the Affiliate Assembly as the heart and soul of AASL and believe that through Affiliate efforts at the grassroots level, the AASL Standards have the best opportunity to go viral," said Ballard. "These implementation grants provide an opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of inspirational past AASL Presidents who have shared their experience and expertise with me, and many others, and build on their efforts through the advancement and recognition of our standards as essential to teaching and learning."

The 2018 grant sponsored by Cassandra Barnett will be awarded to an Affiliate in honor of AASL Past President Barbara Stripling. Future grants will honor Helen R. Adams and Retta Patrick.

"State affiliates will be instrumental in helping school librarians unpack the standards and implement them in their individual buildings," said Barnett. "Sponsoring this grant is one way that I can support this effort, and have an impact on student learning. At the same time, this is an opportunity for me to honor past presidents who influenced my practice as a school librarian."

Applications for the inaugural grants will open March 5 with a deadline of April 18, 2018. Recipients will be notified by May 1. More information will be posted at as it becomes available.

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