Dear AASL Members,

As my term as AASL President draws to a close at the 2025 ALA Annual Conference, I find myself filled with deep appreciation, reflection, and pride. This past year has been a remarkable journey—one marked by connection, advocacy, and the steadfast spirit of our incredible school librarian community.

Serving as your president has been the honor of a lifetime. The accomplishments of the past year were only possible because of the countless members who stepped up, leaned in, and gave their time and talents to our association. To each of you: thank you.

To Our Committee Members and Chairs:
Your dedication fuels our work. Whether reviewing policies, developing resources, planning events, or amplifying voices, your service echoes far beyond AASL—it impacts students, educators, and school communities nationwide. Your efforts have inspired, informed, and ignited change.

To the National Conference Committee:
Your work isn’t done yet! Even through the summer, this exceptional team continues to shape what will be an unforgettable gathering in St. Louis, Missouri, October 16–18, 2025. From curating meaningful programming to coordinating exhibits and experiences, your behind-the-scenes efforts are already drawing in school librarians across the country—over 1,100 and counting! If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time. Let’s make this a celebration to remember.

To the Knowledge Quest Editorial Board and KQ Bloggers:
Your writing brings clarity, creativity, and community to our profession. Through your lens, we explore emerging trends, honor milestones, and embrace innovation. Whether you read KQ as a member benefit or subscribe as a friend of AASL, every issue is an investment in your professional growth—and a gift to our field.

To our Chapter Leaders:

Our AASL Chapter Leaders are tremendous pulse-points in our association. This year, under the direction of the Coordinating Team, these leaders supported each other, celebrated their wins together and leaned on one another through difficult issues. Their perseverance and persistent mindset is inspiring and unrelenting-it’s inspiring to witness and I’m so thankful for their willingness to lead in their states!

To the AASL Board of Directors:
I have been fortunate to serve alongside a remarkable team of leaders. This year, you brought our strategic plan to life, supported our chapters, attended council meetings, and stayed grounded in the realities of our profession. Your voice, leadership, and collaboration have made all the difference. Thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with me in this work.

To the AASL Staff:
This small but mighty team is the backbone of our association. Your efforts—often unseen—keep everything moving, from conference planning and committee support to answering calls and emails with grace. I cannot thank you enough for your guidance and support throughout my presidency.

And to You—Our Members:
Thank you for trusting me to lead. Thank you for your advocacy, your curiosity, and your unshakable commitment to learners. The work we do matters—and it’s because of you that it continues to move forward.

As we look ahead, I know AASL is in excellent hands. Under the leadership of Amanda Kordeliski and our incoming board members, our association will continue to lead with vision, heart, and courage. There is still so much to do—and so much to celebrate.

Please take a moment to explore the 2024–2025 AASL Year in Review to see just how far we’ve come—and how bright the road ahead is.

With gratitude and optimism,
Becky Calzada
AASL President, 2024–2025