Maggie Townsend wins free AASL national conference registration, hotel and travel

CHICAGO – Maggie Townsend, school librarian in Bismarck, North Dakota, recommended American Association of School Librarians (AASL) membership to a colleague and in return has been drawn as the grand prize winner of AASL’s Share the Wealth campaign. As a result of referring Jessica Fritz to AASL, Townsend will attend the 2019 AASL National Conference, taking place this Nov. 14-16, in Louisville, Kentucky. The grand prize package includes complimentary registration, roundtrip airfare, and a three-night hotel stay.

“I’m really excited to attend the 2019 AASL National Conference,” exclaimed Townsend. “I’m constantly looking for additions to my collaboration toolkit.  ‘Engaged²: Ongoing Math & Library Collaboration at the Secondary Level’ is one session I can’t miss! The only thing guaranteed is change, and ‘Collaborate, Evaluate, Advocate: Tales from the Trenches in Assessing Readiness for Change!’ is sure to provide support and ideas. Our district has been focusing on developing a diverse and representative program and collection, so I’m so excited to attend the many sessions that focus on that timely topic. And of course, I can’t miss the general session with author Jarrett J. Krosoczka! My kids are going to be so jealous! I might just have to bring them home a book (or ten)!”

The Share the Wealth campaign encourages AASL members to reach out to their colleagues and invite them to join the only national professional organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. 

“I suggested AASL membership to Jessica because here in North Dakota being a school librarian can sometimes be a lonely position,” said Townsend. “You might be the only librarian in the school district or even the county! AASL provides a network of support with their publications, online learning opportunities, toolkits, and more. They help you find your voice so you can advocate for your students to the school, community, and beyond!”

For each member recruited as part of the Share the Wealth campaign, the referring AASL member receives an entry in a monthly drawing for a complimentary year of ALA and AASL membership. The AASL member is also entered into a final grand prize drawing for the AASL National Conference package. Multiple referrals are accepted and increases the chances to win the grand prize.

To participate, membership acceptance forms must be returned with payment directly to AASL. Memberships processed by ALA – either online or on paper – will not be included in the “Share the Wealth” campaign. For complete program rules and regulations, visit www.ala.org/aasl/STW.

The American Association of School Librarians www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.