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CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the . The toolkit is one of twenty outstanding programs, events, and products nominated in 2023 by AASL Chapters for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves.

The Get Ready, Stay Ready Toolkit contains scripts for public speaking and writing, video presentations, training materials, and tools for civic engagement. It is recognized by AASL for helping defend the intellectual freedom of all South Carolina students by curating resources to educate and empower the public to fight censorship.

“SCASL is proud to recognize the efforts of the creators and curators of the Get Ready Stay Ready toolkit,” said SCASL President Michelle Spires. “This toolkit has provided community members with valuable tools and resources in the fight to defend intellectual freedom.”

AASL President Courtney Pentland added, “The commendations brought forth by AASL Chapters this year are representative of the amazing programs and advocacy efforts happening across the country in support of school libraries, school librarians, and the learners we all serve. I am grateful for organizations like those honored this year that also support literacy and intellectual freedom as these are essential skills and rights for everyone in our communities. We are definitely stronger together, and, through valuable partnerships like these, we can continue to help our learners build a foundation for a better tomorrow.”

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 2023 commendations can be found on the.

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