The Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School (OLHMS) Library was recently recognized as an Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE) Exemplary School Library Award winner. The OLHMS library is one of only six libraries in the State of Illinois to receive the award. AISLE recognized the school libraries at High Point School in Orland Park, Oak Lawn Community High School, South Park Elementary School in Deerfield and Vernon Hills High School with the award.
The AISLE Exemplary School Library Award was established in 2018 to recognize school libraries throughout the state of Illinois which exemplify the Illinois school library standards outlined in Linking for Learning. Media Specialist Heather McCarthy and Assistant Principal Donald Hantson applied with evidence directly addressing each of the AISLE standards to receive the award.
A representative from the AISLE organization attended the November School District 123 Board of Education meeting to present the award and a set of banners that will be displayed within the school.
“Through this award, AISLE recognizes the school library as an integral component of each school’s learning community, in which everyone is a teacher, learner, producer, and contributor. The program truly embodies the values AISLE wants to advocate for and recognize as exemplary in a school library program. As an exemplary school library program, we believe it stands as a model for all other districts and school library programs.” -Bette Zablocki, Association of Illinois School Library Educators
The award is a recognition for three years, and OLHMS will hold the exemplary school library award until at least 2025.
