Happy kids at the Greybull Branch Library holding up the books they chose at Wyoming Reads 2019.
Wyoming Reads was one of 12 events and programs formally commended by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves. Honored programs align with AASL’s “National School Library Standards” and the principles expressed in the association’s mission and value statements.
Wyoming Reads celebrations focus on the joy of reading, highlighted by every first grade student in Wyoming receiving a hardback book with their name printed inside the cover, donated by the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation. John Jorgensen established the foundation in 1996 and founded the Casper Cares, Casper Reads festival to honor his late wife’s commitment to children and reading. The celebration was expanded statewide as Wyoming Reads in 2006.
Events are held in all 23 counties. During the 2019 celebrations in May, more than 7,500 students received a book to cherish that they picked from this year’s selections.
See the rest of the commended programs.
AASL commended Wyoming Reads and the rest of the programs based on recommendations made by its Affiliate Assembly, which provides a channel of communication between AASL-affiliated school library organizations and the AASL Board of Directors. Affiliates nominate outstanding programs and events for official AASL commendations, which are then reviewed and approved by the AASL Board of Directors.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.