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CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends , approving a resolution made by the Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA), an AASL Chapter. AASL annually recognizes outstanding programs, events, and products nominated by AASL Chapters for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves. The full list of 2024 commendations can be found on the AASL website.

Founded in 2015 and based in Troy, Ohio, Reading for Change (RFC) supports students who are reading one or more grades below level through concentrated literacy tutoring, homework support, and a hearty snack four hours a week for forty-one weeks. During each visit, forty students from diverse backgrounds are welcomed in a comfortable space supplied with books, computers, and other resources. Students are tutored by licensed teachers, including school librarians.

“RFC's motto ‘Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader,’ says it all,” OELMA President Gayle Schmuhl said. “One hundred percent of the students who participate in the program grow at least one grade level in reading each year! OELMA awarded Reading for Change its 2024 Literacy Leader Award which is given each year to a community organization for its exemplary support of literacy that reinforces student learning, addresses current pertinent issues, and anticipates trends important to school librarianship. We are excited RFC will also be recognized nationally.”

AASL President Becky Calzada added, “Our AASL Chapters have brought forth eighteen stellar commendations. These recognitions highlight the advocacy of intellectual freedom, access of inclusive literature, celebrates students' use of media and technology that incorporates the integration of AASL Standards and advances the understanding of school librarians as educators. The AASL Board of Directors is grateful for the keen eyes of our state chapter leaders for bringing these resolutions forward. Commendations acknowledge and expand awareness of the important work happening in many local communities in support of school libraries, school librarians and the learners they serve.”

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 2024 commendations can be found on the AASL website.

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