School Library Month has its humble beginnings in 1985 on the steps of Capitol Hill. Since then, each April school libraries across the country use this month to really shake the bushes and advocate for their school library programs. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, right? Read more about the history of #SLM.

This year’s theme? Because School Libraries Empower Students

Well, we all have different budgets and demands of our time…so how can school librarians decide how to highlight #SLM17?

Some really easy ways…

• Use the complimentary web graphics and files available on the AASL website to add to your social media profiles and websites.
• Print posters.
• Add a Twibbon to your Twitter profile.

Have a little more time?

• Ask your school and elected officials to proclaim the month of April as School Library Month! Use the template letters provided by AASL
• D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Day, April 12. Drop Everything and Read in honor of Beverly Cleary. Have a block of time that everyone (including staff) just reads. Stage a read-in where students wear pajamas and bring sleeping bags.
• Collaborate with your public library to celebrate National Library Week, April 9-15.
• National Bookmobile Day, April 12. Have students assemble their own bookmobiles in your makerspace.
• Host a “book tasting“! Search Pinterest for 1000+ ideas.
• Host a “Read-a-thon.”
• Celebrate “DIA”: Dia de los Ninos on April 30. You can register your event and download materials online.

Honestly, the ideas are endless. You are only limited by your space and time. Do you have some ideas on how to celebrate #SLM17? Add them in the comments below!

Author: Sedley Abercrombie

Sedley Abercrombie is the district digital learning and library media programs specialist for Davidson County Schools in North Carolina, an NCSLMA executive board member, and an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University.

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Categories: Advocacy/Leadership, Blog Topics, Community/Teacher Collaboration