The Scotts Ridge Middle School library has always been first in our book, and this week, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) named the SRMS LLC the 2025 National School Library of the Year (NSLY). Sponsored by Follett Content, the NSLY Award annually honors a school library that exemplifies the implementation of AASL's National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Scotts Ridge Middle School will receive a crystal obelisk – the symbol of school library excellence – and $10,000 toward its school library.
The team of Librarian Janine Johnson and paraeducator (of the year) Emily Shiller has made the Scotts Ridge LLC a hub of innovation, learning, and inclusion. Their thoughtful implementation of programs like 1 Book 2 Schools, the Morning Show, March Madness, and collaboration with educators across SRMS is a national model. They are enthusiastic readers and thoughtful people, and their curiosity and love for ideas and words run through everything they do. Read more about the award and quotes from their Scotts Ridge colleagues in the AASL announcement.
What will they do with the award money? Trip to Paris for two, including a few paperbacks? No, they are running a poll to see what Scotts Ridge thinks. Maybe more stationary bikes for the LLC...Congratulations!