Dear West Maple Families and Community,

It is with great excitement and appreciation that we share, West Maple has been named the National School Library of the Year Award winner for 2023. West Maple is the only school in the United States, this year, who has been awarded this honor. We are privileged and blessed to live and learn in a community that values the crucial role our library has in our student’s educational experience. Our school community shares in this celebration alongside our students, staff, and families and thank you for making West Maple the best place to learn and grow.

The American Association of School Libraries began giving this award in 1963 and it celebrates the essential role school libraries play in the education of K-12 students. School libraries selected must demonstrate effective instruction meeting ASSL’s National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. The process included an extensive application, a digital portfolio of the library, a virtual interview with the NSLY committee, and an in-person visit with the NSLY committee chairpersons. For more information about the award visit: https://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/nsly. To view West Maple’s School Library Digital Portfolio visit: https://sites.google.com/bps-schools.com/westmaplelibrary/home. In October, we will receive recognition for the award at the AASL National Conference. Thank you for supporting your students by ensuring they have a great library to explore the world around them.

With a heart, filled with joy,

Mr. Pez and Mrs. Betts