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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 commended the Rainbow Library. The program is one of eleven outstanding programs, events, and products nominated by AASL Chapters for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves. To be considered, programs must align with the principles expressed in the national association's mission and value statements. The full list can be found at .

Melissa Corey, MASL president, shared:

“The Rainbow Library is a program sponsored by GLSEN that provides collections of LGBTQ+ affirming texts to schools free of charge. Librarians and other school staff members may apply to receive a set of books according to grade level, including ranges K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Rainbow Library is currently serving 26 states, including Missouri.

Rainbow Library collections feature diverse voices, particularly from BIPOC authors, with at least one book in Spanish included in each collection. Ensuring that students have access to LGBTQ+ books is extremely important at a time when LGBTQ+ books are regularly banned, censored, or removed from school library collections. The Rainbow Library is literally saving lives, one book at a time.”

“The Rainbow Library collaborated with the Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) to support LGBTQ+ learners across the state. This work aligns with AASL’s core values of collaboration and equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Kathy Lester, AASL President. “Congratulations to the Rainbow Library for their collaborative work to see and support LGTBG+ youth.”

The  provide a channel of communication between AASL-affiliated school library organizations and the AASL Board of Directors. An AASL Chapter nominates outstanding programs, events, and products for official AASL commendations, which are then reviewed and approved by the AASL Board of Directors for national recognition.

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