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CHICAGO – Mernie Maestas, school librarian in Missouri, recommended American Association of School Librarians (AASL) membership to a colleague and in return has been drawn as the grand prize winner of AASL's Share the Wealth campaign. The grand prize package includes complimentary registration, roundtrip airfare, and a three-night hotel stay to the AASL National Conference.

As a result of referring Christine Manner to AASL, Maestas will attend the 2021 AASL National Conference, taking place Oct. 21-23, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Full event information is available at .

“I am extremely excited to receive such a precious gift,” Maestas said. “Attending the AASL National Conference allows me to experience phenomenal sessions, network with amazing professionals, and stretch myself in ways I had not considered. I know that I will leave not only with questions answered but also motivated to implement new ideas and experiences for a better library program for our whole school. Thank you again so very, very much for this amazing gift!”

The Share the Wealth campaign asked AASL members to reach out to their colleagues and invite them to join the only national professional organization focused on school librarians and the school library community.

"AASL encourages me to be my best professional self,” said Maestas. “I am a better school librarian because I know the professional resources offered by AASL are the ones I need, I know my professional interests are being cared for in legislative matters, and I know I have a community to depend upon as I grow and learn. We can't do this important work alone, and AASL is there to support me, my library program, and ultimately my students. I highly recommend membership."

For each member recruited as part of the Share the Wealth campaign, the referring AASL member received an entry in a monthly drawing for a complimentary year of 91´«Ã½ and AASL membership. The AASL member was also entered into a final grand prize drawing for the AASL National Conference package.

The is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Those communicating about the national conference are encouraged to use the official hashtag, #AASL21.

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