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CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) presents a new advocacy tool to help school librarians generate and guide discussions with stakeholders about quality school library programs. School Library Programs Improve Student Learning is a series of advocacy brochures, each designed to speak to a specific stakeholder audience within the school library community, including administrators, policymakers, parents and teachers. The series will be released successively throughout April and May. Brochures will be freely available for download on the AASLwebsite and for purchase in packs of 25 through the 91´«Ã½ Store. For more information, visit .

The School Library Programs Improve Student Learning series outlines goals and key questions specific and important to each audience. This format will help school librarians lead unique conversations with each stakeholder group, set goals and expectations for the program and the stakeholders and maximize the potential of the school library program.

"This is the first time a series of brochures has been targeted and individualized to address the expectations of various stakeholder groups. Although AASL's program guidelines provide the key concepts for the brochures, these brochures unpack the guidelines in a way that resonates with stakeholders and allows them to visualize a model school library program from their perspectives," said Deb Kachel, task force chairperson. "We hope this format will trigger conversations that lead to the development of library allies who advocate for strong school library programs that improve student learning."

Developed and distributed through a grant from the Bound to Stay Bound Books Foundation, AASL will mail the brochures to 50,000 public elementary and middle school principals during School Library Month in April.

"The release of these brochures could not be more timely, not only with the alarming position cuts taking place across the country, but as school librarians shine the spotlight on their programs as they celebrate School Library Month," said Nancy Everhart, AASLpresident. "These brochures and the resources AASL has provided in crafting strategic stories are very powerful tools for school librarians to use as they advocate their position as an indispensable member of the education team."

The School Library Programs Improve Student Learning advocacy brochure series is a part of AASL's national campaign, Leaning4Life. The Learning4Life(L4L), , national implementation plan supports states, school systems and individual schools preparing to implement the "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" and "Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs." The plan will also increase awareness and understanding of the essential role school librarians play in a student's education.

For 91 years Bound To Stay Bound Books, , has supplied children's and young adult library books, both fiction and nonfiction, to school and public libraries. It provides books that stand the test of time in both content and durability and services exceeding your expectations.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.