Travel Grants Available for First-Time AASL National Conference Attendees

CHICAGO — Thirty travel grants are available to school library professionals wishing to attend the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Conference for the first time.

The $750 grants for first-time attendees of the conference are sponsored by Bound to Stay Bound Books. Those interested in applying can access the application at national.aasl.org/btsb. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. Central time on Fri., April 16, 2021. Late applications will not be considered.

“There’s something empowering about being at a conference that is devoted solely to school librarians’ needs and interests,” said AASL President Kathy Carroll. “My first AASL conference left a lasting impression on me and prompted me to become even more involved in my national association. I am so pleased that Bound to Stay Bound is providing thirty first-time attendees an opportunity to attend as I’m sure this conference will provide our grant recipients with a similarly memorable experience. Thank you, Bound to Stay Bound Books, for your ongoing support of school librarians.”

A one-of-a-kind conference, the 2021 AASL National Conference will feature daily keynotes, more than 140 concurrent sessions, author panels, research into practice sessions, more than 100 exhibitors, the best practice IdeaLab, author signings, and endless networking opportunities. Content provided at the conference will be rooted in AASL’s “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.” Full details about the 2021 national conference can be found at national.aasl.org.

“This past year has taught us the importance of community. While we have virtually supported each other and have participated in numerous online learning experiences, there is something special about being together in person,” said Carroll. “There is an almost tangible energy in the air when school librarians are together sharing ideas and supporting one another. I am excited to attend this year’s AASL National Conference so I can meet with colleagues and have the full conference experience.”

“At Bound to Stay Bound, we recognize the value of the professional school librarian in our schools and take pride in being able to offer these grants to help further their knowledge and give them an opportunity to share their experiences with other professionals,” said Bob Sibert of Bound to Stay Bound Books.

For over 100 years Bound to Stay Bound Books, www.btsb.com, has supplied children’s and young adult library books, both fiction and nonfiction, to schools and public libraries. It provides books that stand the test of time in both content and durability and services exceeding your expectations.

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