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CHICAGO – Andrea Trudeau, school librarian at Alan B. Shepard Middle School in Deerfield, Illinois, is the recipient of the 2020 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Frances Henne Award. Sponsored by Libraries Unlimited, the $1,250 award recognizes a school librarian with five years or less experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with students, teachers, and administrators. The award will enable Trudeau to attend an AASL National Conference or 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference for the first time.

“In just her fifth year as a school librarian, Andrea Trudeau has fully transformed her library into an active learning hub, interwoven into the fabric of her school community,” said Martha Pangburn, award committee chair. “Her view of the library as a ‘learning playground’ is evident in the creative ways she collaborates with the community and provides authentic and engaging learning opportunities for all students. The award committee unanimously agreed that Andrea represents the innovative school librarian of the future and hopes attending conference will allow her to explore new ideas, connect with others, and grow professionally.”

Before taking over the role of school librarian, or as she prefers, the “no-‘shh’ librarian,” Trudeau was a social studies teacher at Shepard Middle School. Since 2015, she has transformed the traditional middle school library to an active learning commons with learner-centered philosophy. She has developed a makerspace and integrates maker movement activities into various curricular areas. Trudeau’s goal is to promote wonder, creativity, collaboration, and fun for all who enter the learning commons.

“Congratulations to Andrea Trudeau for being awarded the Frances Henne award,” said AASL President Mary Keeling. “As an early-career school librarian, she has created a school library that is ‘interwoven in the fabric of the school community,’ as stated in the award nomination. I especially appreciate the work of Martha Pangburn and her committee in making this excellent selection.”

The AASL award winners will be honored during a virtual AASL Awards Ceremony during the fall of 2020. The virtual ceremony will replace the live ceremony traditionally presented during the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference. Out of concern for the health and safety of all members of the community, the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board felt it was important to cancel the 2020 conference taking place in Chicago. Details for the virtual ceremony will be shared as they are finalized.

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