AISD and communities throughout the U.S. will celebrate School Library Month throughout April, to recognize the essential role that strong school library programs play in a student's educational career. This year’s theme is “You belong @ your library,"® and AISD libraries will offer activities to highlight the various services offered to students and staff members ranging from storytelling, information to help improve reading skills and how to use the Internet.

Libraries are places for opportunity, education, self-help and lifelong learning. However, libraries couldn’t run smoothly without dedicated librarians, including support staff, and others who make library service possible across the district every day. These dedicated professionals help create active learning centers, assist students and staff members in the use of online databases, encyclopedias, primary sources and print materials. Most importantly, school librarians prepare students for success in college. We all benefit from the resources and services provided by this group of dedicated staff members.

AISD is proud to honor and recognize the efforts of our hardworking library workers. It is the dedication of these professionals that keep our libraries vibrant and indispensable – and that is truly worth celebrating.

In commemoration of School Library Month, the district encourages students, staff members, families, volunteers and community members to take a moment this month to thank AISD library professionals for the services they provide to students and the district. See below for some helpful tips for celebrating School Library Month and library workers.

Click here to learn more about the history of School Library Month.

AISD School Library Month Events:

As part of School Library Month, AISD will host a storytelling festival for students and families from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday, May 12, at Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman Dr. The festival will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Miss Alice Harrison, the very first librarian to work within AISD. Ms. Harrison worked as a librarian from 1912 to 1947. During the course of her career, she built the Austin Public Schools library program from 800 books to 14,000. At a time when few elementary schools had such facilities, Ms. Harrison built a library in every Austin school. By 1920 she also began developing elementary school libraries through a traveling library service. Ms. Harrison's incredible legacy continues to impact AISD school libraries today. in 1987, she was inducted into the Austin High School Hall of Honor. 

In addition, Martin Middle School will host a World Book Night Monday, April 23, at noon. At the event, every student at the campus will receive a free new book, from Book People and other sponsors. This event is open to the public. More details to come. Please check back for updates.

Helpful Tips for Celebrating School Library Month and Librarians:

• Use this calendar of tips to energize the environment of your library and fill your month with special activities celebrating librarians.
• Send notes of appreciation to your librarian or library workers.
• Contact your local elected officials and invite them into your school library during the month of April. Why not ask them to make a proclamation about School Library Month?
• Decorate your library or library website with the Ten Reasons You Belong at Your School Library poster and web graphics.
• Let your school know what's going on in the library with this School Library Month flyer template.
• Share the following public service announcements with your community: General Focus - Audio MP3: 20 seconds | 25 seconds Parent Focus - Audio MP3: 20 seconds | 25 seconds