KASL August Newsletter
YOUR STATE-LEVEL SCHOOL LIBRARY ORGANIZATION

School is back and KASL is here to support you and your library program!
The KASL website is your go-to source for upcoming events, Kentucky Bluegrass Awards, mentoring, advocacy, and much more!
Meet KASL's 2021-22 Executive Board!
Deidra Bowling-Meade, PresidentIt’s a great day to be a KASL member! I’m excited to be this year’s KASL President and promote the librarian profession across the state. I’ve been in education 16 ½ years with 11 of those years working in the library. I currently work at Paul Blazer High School in Ashland, KY as the library media specialist. I have earned a Rank I as an Educational Specialist and additional certifications in Library Science and Secondary Education with a concentration in English. I’m a proud alumni of Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University. I’m passionate about all the services the library can provide. I always enjoyed going to the public library and school library as a child. That passion carried over into my adult years. I love working with students to instill a love for reading and grow their information literacy skills. I became a KASL member when I was attending graduate school at EKU. I didn’t fully appreciate or know what all KASL did until I became the Eastern Kentucky representative for KASL in 2014. That experience helped me grow in my professional knowledge, become more confident as a librarian, as well as meet and establish lifelong friendships. Finding others to support you is key, which is what makes KASL so special. I hope you will join us this year as we seek & discover all the hidden treasures found in KY Libraries. | Jen Gilbert, President Elect I'm starting my 6th year as a school librarian, all of which has been at Eminence Independent Schools in Eminence, KY. We are a k-12 school, which means I serve high school, elementary, and middle, all in the same space. My library space is really heavy on making, so I get to work with kids on 3D printing, laser cutting, shop tools, coding, graphic design, etc. beyond the traditional research and literacy that I promote. I have literally NEVER been bored at work! I recently became certified to teach high school computer science and have been working to open a computer science pathway at my school because I feel strongly that kids need exposure to that field. I am currently serving as KASL's president-elect and have been involved in KASL in some capacity since I became a school librarian. I love getting to know my fellow librarians and leaning on them for help when I need it. | Carrie Wilkerson, SecretaryI'm headed into year 24 as an educator this year. Eleven of those years have been as a library media specialist. Although I started as an elementary LMS, I am currently the LMS at Daviess County High School in Owensboro, KY. Prior to becoming a LMS, I taught 7 years as an ELA teacher in both the middle and high school settings. Additionally, I worked 5 years in higher education. I have taught every level from preschool to adult learners except eighth grade. I currently serve as the KASL secretary. Prior to that, I sat on the KASL board for 9 years as the GRASL district (formerly 2nd district) president. I am currently pursuing my Rank I through GRREC ED Academy, where I will focus on literacy. My memberships in GRASL and KASL helped make this possible as one of the 2021 recipients of the Jeanne Cleveland Memorial Grant and the Eleanor W. Simmons Memorial Grant. While I love my career, my true passion comes from being the mother of two girls. In addition to being a mom and educator I enjoy traveling, reading, eating great food, attending UK football and basketball games, and going to concerts and music festivals. |
Deidra Bowling-Meade, President
It’s a great day to be a KASL member! I’m excited to be this year’s KASL President and promote the librarian profession across the state. I’ve been in education 16 ½ years with 11 of those years working in the library. I currently work at Paul Blazer High School in Ashland, KY as the library media specialist. I have earned a Rank I as an Educational Specialist and additional certifications in Library Science and Secondary Education with a concentration in English. I’m a proud alumni of Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University. I’m passionate about all the services the library can provide. I always enjoyed going to the public library and school library as a child. That passion carried over into my adult years. I love working with students to instill a love for reading and grow their information literacy skills. I became a KASL member when I was attending graduate school at EKU. I didn’t fully appreciate or know what all KASL did until I became the Eastern Kentucky representative for KASL in 2014. That experience helped me grow in my professional knowledge, become more confident as a librarian, as well as meet and establish lifelong friendships. Finding others to support you is key, which is what makes KASL so special. I hope you will join us this year as we seek & discover all the hidden treasures found in KY Libraries.
Jen Gilbert, President Elect
Carrie Wilkerson, Secretary
I'm headed into year 24 as an educator this year. Eleven of those years have been as a library media specialist. Although I started as an elementary LMS, I am currently the LMS at Daviess County High School in Owensboro, KY. Prior to becoming a LMS, I taught 7 years as an ELA teacher in both the middle and high school settings. Additionally, I worked 5 years in higher education. I have taught every level from preschool to adult learners except eighth grade. I currently serve as the KASL secretary. Prior to that, I sat on the KASL board for 9 years as the GRASL district (formerly 2nd district) president. I am currently pursuing my Rank I through GRREC ED Academy, where I will focus on literacy. My memberships in GRASL and KASL helped make this possible as one of the 2021 recipients of the Jeanne Cleveland Memorial Grant and the Eleanor W. Simmons Memorial Grant. While I love my career, my true passion comes from being the mother of two girls. In addition to being a mom and educator I enjoy traveling, reading, eating great food, attending UK football and basketball games, and going to concerts and music festivals.
Fred Tilsley, Treasurer My Name is Fred Tilsley. I’m a retired Librarian from Jackson County. I was Librarian for 27 years and had a total of 33 years in Education all at Sand Gap Elementary. I have been retired since 2010 and love staying current with my service to the KASL Board. I’m currently the Treasurer of KASL and also serve as the Educational Organizational Liaison. In both of these positions I strive to serve members to the best of my ability. The reason I love KALS is the opportunity for both professional and personal growth | | Sam Northern, Past PresidentI am proud to be the librarian at Simpson Elementary School in Franklin, Kentucky. I absolutely love what I do! As a school librarian, I get to be a learner ever single day. I get to journey alongside students as they search and discover information. I get to explore with students as conduct research, engage in project-based learning, and explore new possibilities. I get to help students apply what they learn from our collection to the creation of their own digital products. It’s a dream job! The library profession has provided me with many opportunities. I have pursued National Board Certification, served on KASL’s Board, presented at conferences, and engaged in field-based PD to Antarctica, Finland, and Bahrain. Ultimately, though, my students’ curiosities and passions are what motivate me to never stop learning and improving. I credit much of my growth as a librarian to YOU, the Kentucky Association of School Librarians. Thank you. |
Fred Tilsley, Treasurer
Sam Northern, Past President
I am proud to be the librarian at Simpson Elementary School in Franklin, Kentucky. I absolutely love what I do! As a school librarian, I get to be a learner ever single day. I get to journey alongside students as they search and discover information. I get to explore with students as conduct research, engage in project-based learning, and explore new possibilities. I get to help students apply what they learn from our collection to the creation of their own digital products. It’s a dream job! The library profession has provided me with many opportunities. I have pursued National Board Certification, served on KASL’s Board, presented at conferences, and engaged in field-based PD to Antarctica, Finland, and Bahrain. Ultimately, though, my students’ curiosities and passions are what motivate me to never stop learning and improving. I credit much of my growth as a librarian to YOU, the Kentucky Association of School Librarians. Thank you.
AASL recognized the Kentucky Academic Standards for Library Media with a national commendation!

Our annual Summer Refresher was a hit!



2022 Summer Refresher is July 11-22 in Ashland, Ky!

Kentucky Library Association Conference!
Stronger Together: Taking Charge of Change
The 2021 Kentucky Library Association annual fall conference will be held October 14 & 15 in Lexington, Kentucky in a hybrid format.
Attendees may register to attend one or both days of the conference in person, or entirely virtually. Registration will open soon!
Deadline is August 31st

Visit KCEC's website to learn more and join the coalition.
The Kentucky Council for the Social Studies (KCSS) is building a civic education advocacy coalition. The Kentucky Civic Education Coalition (KCEC) will bring together a non-partisan coalition of partners committed to preparing all students to be informed, engaged participants in Kentucky’s civic life. See more at the link above.
It is incredibly important to us that we have educators and students at the table, united by a passion for Kentucky education and authentic civic learning. Membership is open to all Kentuckians (and beyond!). As educators supporting students in exploring their curiosities and finding information about the world around them, librarians have a special role in civic education.
Join KASL!!!
To join KASL, complete the application for membership on the KLA website by clicking the button above and choose Kentucky Association of School Librarians as your section.