Important Updates from AASL for Nebraska School Librarians

[Mandy Peterson]

Dear Nebraska School Librarians,

As your NSLA Delegate to AASL, I wanted to share some important updates and opportunities from last night's AASL Chapter meeting!

📍 AASL National Conference – St. Louis, MO | October 2025

If you're planning to attend the AASL National Conference, take advantage of this $90 discount with the code AASL90!

• You can register now and pay later, as long as payment is made by October 1, 2025.
• The Call for Proposals for concurrent sessions is now open! Submit your proposals by March 1 to be considered as a presenter.

🧩 Free Virtual Event: AASL Gathering – February 13, 2025

💡 Piece by Piece: Finding Your Perfect Fit in AASL

• This free session is open to all—you don’t need to be an AASL member to attend!
• Learn how to get involved with AASL through committee work, advocacy, leadership, and more!
• Discover the many ways you can contribute and find the perfect volunteer role for your interests.

✅ What you'll learn:
✔ AASL volunteer opportunities
✔ Matching your interests with the right role
✔ Tips for getting involved and making a difference

If you've ever thought about stepping up in AASL leadership, this is your chance to explore how!

📢 AASL Membership Benefits

Not a member yet? Here’s why you should consider joining:

• Discounts on AASL Conference registration, eLearning, and the ALA Store
• Free access to Knowledge Quest and ALA Connect
• A strong network of professionals dedicated to school libraries

🏛 New AASL State Policy Liaison Role

AASL has introduced a new State Policy Liaison role to help track and address school library legislation across the country. Sarah DeMaria will be working with state chapters to monitor and respond to legislative issues impacting school libraries.

📖 Free ADL Webinar with Author Gordon Korman – February 11, 2025 @ 5 PM

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has launched a new Challenging Anti-Semitism framework and is offering free professional development webinars.

🔹 Connecting Stories and Legacies: A Conversation with Gordon Korman & Rachelle Goldstein

• Featuring Gordon Korman, author of Linked, a novel about a middle school addressing antisemitism
• Rachelle Goldstein, a hidden child during the Holocaust, will share survivor narratives
• Explore how storytelling confronts hate and fosters understanding
• Free signed copies of Linked will be given away!

If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to reach out!

Mandy Peterson
NSLA Delegate to AASL
2024 Nebraska School Librarian of the Year