Hello, AASL Friends!

As I look ahead to the 2026–2027 year, I’m filled with immense gratitude. First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time with AASL. Our organization is member-led, which means we simply couldn’t function without you. While our small staff is wonderful, they juggle a lot, and it is your hands-on service that truly drives our mission forward.

My Journey: The Power of a Single “Yes”

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t always a “joiner.” For the first eight years of my career, I was what you might call a “lurker.” I attended conferences and presented occasionally, but I stayed on the sidelines of leadership.

That changed in 2008 because of one person: Deb Christensen. She was the President-Elect of the North Carolina School Library Media Association at the time. She reached out to our district’s school librarians, asking for help with the state conference. I offered to do something “simple,” which turned out to be building the printed conference program from a massive spreadsheet!

That one small task opened the door. By the time the AASL National Conference came to Charlotte in 2009, I was hooked. Meeting librarians from across the country and sharing dinners with colleagues from different cities showed me the incredible scale of our impact. I went from being a volunteer to running for Secretary and President of my state association, and eventually, to the honor of serving as your President-Elect today.

Why School Librarians are the Best Volunteers

In my dissertation research, I discovered what I already knew in my heart: school librarians are the most generous and conscientious people on the planet. When I put out a call for survey participants, I was overwhelmed by the hundreds of responses. We step up. It’s just what we do.

Working alongside you has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Whether we are collaborating on a committee or serving on the board, this community is defined by kindness and a shared commitment to our students.

Your Turn: Step Up for 2026–2027

Now, I’m asking you to step up again. Whether you are a veteran looking for a new “niche” or a newcomer ready to make your mark, there is a place for you here. Love tech? There’s a committee for that. Passionate about advocacy? We need you.

I will begin making committee appointments for my presidential year in early spring. I would love to see your name on that volunteer list!

How to get started:

  1. Visit the “Getting Involved“ page on the AASL website.
  2. Use the “Engagement Finder” to match your interests, abilities, and available time with our open opportunities.
  3. Browse the list of “AASL Committees and Work Groups“.
  4. Log in to the ALA website with your member ID and password.
  5. Fill out the “Get Involved Form” to let me know where you’d like to serve. Or even offer to serve where needed if you don’t have a preference!

Let’s make this coming year our most impactful one yet. I can’t wait to work alongside you!

Wishing you a wonderful week,

April Dawkins

AASL President-Elect, 2025-2026