¾«¶«´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the Free to Read Project, the Girl Scout Gold Award Project by Kate Lindley, approving a resolution made by the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL), 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.

“VAASL chose to nominate Kate Lindley and the Free to Read Project for an AASL Chapter Resolution to shine a light on an amazing young woman and her work to provide local access to books banned by Hanover County Public Schools,” said Connie Piper, VAASL Executive Director. “Ms. Lindley developed her organization, Free to Read, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award. The censoring of her Gold Award proclamation drew national attention to the actions of both the Hanover School Board and the Hanover Board of Supervisors. Kate Lindley has become an articulate spokeswoman for the importance of intellectual freedom.”

The focus of Lindley’s project was to bring awareness and to provide student access to the 91 books banned by Hanover Public Schools. She created an app which included book reviews, information on why the book was banned, and locations to find the books online and in the community. Lindley also established Banned Book Nooks in community businesses and created a QR code for checking out materials. Additionally, a Free to Read Project online wish list has generated donations of more than 2,050 books and a value of more than $12,000.

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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.