Celebrate 50 years of VEMA/VAASL with a look back at its history from the leaders who built it. In this clip, hear from Terri Raines (2008-2009, but watch the full video featuring many more past presidents here: youtu.be/K9F32R7QDM8?...

We can’t WAIT to celebrate the 2025 Librarian of the Year at our annual conference! Come cheer on your region’s winner at the general session on Friday afternoon. Register today - early register prices end September 30!

Early bird registration for the VAASL annual conference has been extended to September 30th! Join fellow school librarians for keynote speakers, 100+ sessions, networking, and a 50th Anniversary Party. Your $285 fee includes a President's Breakfast, lunch on both days, and more!

VAASL, in partnership with Longwood and ODU library programs, is thrilled to host a special screening of The Librarians from Director/Producer Kim A Snyder on Wednesday evening at 7:15pm during the fall conference.

Celebrating 50 years of VEMA/VAASL! Hear from past leaders, including Eileen Godwin David, in this clip. The full video features more past presidents sharing their unique perspectives on the history and impact of VAASL. Full video: youtu.be/K9F32R7QDM8?...

VAASL's new Collection Collaboration tool is here! Join us the first Tuesday of each month at 7 PM to share and discover books, build your collection, and get program support. This September, we're talking about summer reads. Let us know what you loved: forms.gle/jyxxBai29qKr...

The membership software company has resolved the issue and our website and membership functions should be working correctly now. Thank you for your patience!

The VAASL membership software is slower than usual, affecting renewals, account access, and office functions. Our team is aware of the issue and working quickly to fix it. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

It’s the 50th anniversary of VEMA/VAASL, so we’re having a party!Join us on Thursday night of the annual conference for food, a champagne toast, trivia, karaoke, decades displays and photo-ops. Optional: come dressed to celebrate your favorite decade! Register here: www.vaasl.org/registration

As we continue to celebrate 50 years of VEMA/VAASL, we’re excited for you to hear from the leaders who shaped the organization. This clip features Mary Keeling (2010-2011). For the full video: youtu.be/K9F32R7QDM8?...

We introduced our fourth keynote speaker back on May 6, but we are so happy to remind you that Grace Lin will be joining us in November for our 50th Anniversary Conference!

Our next keynote spotlight is Amy Hermon, host of School Librarians United podcast! After being inspired by a librarian, Hermon became a library media specialist and created her internationally popular podcast to build a community and share resources. Don’t miss this keynote!

Next up, keynoter India Hill Brown! NAACP Image Award-nominated author India Hill Brown’s work spans genres, appealing to YA readers regardless of of their literary preferences. Don’t miss her keynote - register today!

Get ready for our annual conference! We're showcasing our keynote speakers over the next 5 days, starting with Dr. John Almarode. Don't miss out on earlybird pricing ($285 for members, $345 for non-members) until 9/15. Plus, check our bio for a chance to win a free registration!

Great news! VIRCO is a Platinum Sponsor for the 2025 VAASL conference in Williamsburg. They're awarding two free conference registrations to VAASL members! Apply by Sept 1. Offer available ONLY to VAASL members. bit.ly/44WjddM

As we continue to celebrate 50 years of VEMA/VAASL, we’re excited for you to hear from the leaders who shaped the organization. This clip features Audrey Church (2000-2001). For the full video: youtu.be/K9F32R7QDM8?...

Don’t forget to order your conference T-shirt!

We had an AMAZING time at our summer professional development with the amazing AI Librarian, @elissamalespina.bsky.social Big thanks to Elissa for leading us in this incredibly important topic as we start to prep for the upcoming year!

Critical national funding decisions could impact VA school libraries. See the one-pager on Virginia's impact here: bit.ly/4eP6TiO. Use this info to advocate for your division. If impacted, contact AASL at [email protected].

This year we are offering two designs in honor of our 50th anniversary. All funds raised will go to support VAASL’s Philanthropic endeavors. No shirts will be available for in person purchase at the conference. Order here: www.bonfire.com/store/vaasl-...

Deadline extended! www.vaasl.org/ignite-proje...

Only 6 more days to register!

Share your brilliance! Session proposals are due July 7: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Three more days to get your Ignite Award applications turned in! Let us know if you need help or have questions! www.vaasl.org/ignite-project

In case you missed the link! bit.ly/3ZDFqtY

13 more days to apply for the Ignite Award!

Our Ignite award is given yearly to recognize an inquiry-based learning experience that encourages collaboration between libraries, educators, and learners meeting the goals of the National School Library Standards. Check VAASL.org/ignite-project for more - deadline is July 1!

Congratulations to our 2025 VAASL Election Winners. These members will be inducted into their new positions at this November's Annual Conference. Thanks to the members who participated in the election and thanks to the exceptional candidates who accepted their nominations to run.

There’s still time to vote! To participate, please log into your account on our website and select “Election Ballot” in the announcements section. Check your email for candidate bio information.

Two more days to vote!

The Conference Planning Committee is hard at work to make the 50th anniversary conference the most memorable yet! Don’t forget: we’re currently accepting concurrent session proposals - due July 7: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

We’re thrilled to announce Grace Lin—Newbery Honor author, National Book Award finalist, and recipient of the Children's Literature Legacy Award—as one of our keynote speakers! Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in children’s literature.

The ALA’s Sustainability Roundtable shares a yearly list of top kids’ books on nature, conservation & community, reflecting its mission for a more just, healthy, and sustainable world. See this year’s picks and past lists: www.ala.org/sustainrt/re...

It’s time for our May Book Club! We can’t wait to see you on May 6 at 7pm for our awards chat! Check your email on Tuesday morning for The Zoom link.

VAASL members: vote for regional Director-elects, President-Elect, Secretary, and Legislative Coordinator, now through May 15. Log in at our website and click “Election Ballot” in announcements. Check email for bios and ballot link.

We’ve announced 3 of our 4 Spring Regionals keynotes: Dr. John Almarode, Amy Hermon & Amanda Kordeliski! Can you guess the 4th? Watch for the reveal next week! While you’re thinking fall, proposals & award apps (DUE TODAY) are on our site! #SmallSteps25 due May 4!

Applications due April 30 - that’s TOMORROW!!

Last but not least—the VA Reads young adult picks are here! VA Reads highlights inclusive, high-quality lit that gives students access to diverse voices. Check out all four levels (with annotations!) here: docs.google.com/document/d/1...

The 2025 VAASL Fall Conference Concurrent Session Proposal Form is open! Share your expertise in books, lessons, tech, AI, grants, and more. Present with us in Williamsburg! Details here: www.vaasl.org/index.php?op...

The eagerly awaited VA Reads Middle School picks for 2025-26 are here! VA Reads highlights quality, inclusive books that offer students diverse perspectives. Check back tomorrow for the final reveal of our young adult selections!

As School Library Month ends, thank someone who’s supported your librarian journey—a mentor, admin, or advocate. Use AASL templates for inspo & share who you thanked on the #VAASL SmallSteps25 Form by May 4 for a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!

Join fellow VAASL members on July 15, 2025, for a professional learning event on artificial intelligence with librarian Elissa Malespina. Lunch is provided, and registration is limited to the first 100 participants. Check your email for more detailed information!

More great reads for your growing TBR: the 2025–2026 VA Reads chapter book picks are here! VA Reads curates inclusive, high-quality children’s lit to help students explore diverse perspectives. Stay tuned for our middle school & YA selections!

The results are IN! Here are your VA Reads 2025–2026 picture book picks! VA Reads celebrates inclusive, high-quality children’s lit—helping students explore diverse perspectives through reading. Stay tuned for chapter book, middle school & YA selections!

Congrats, Shannon! You are AMAZING!

Our Ignite award is given yearly to recognize an inquiry-based learning experience that encourages collaboration between libraries, educators, and learners meeting the goals of the National School Library Standards. Check VAASL.org/ignite-project for more - deadline is July 1!

April is School Library Month, but VAASL supports libraries year-round! This week’s #SmallSteps25 challenge: read 2 advocacy one-pagers & share one. Use “What is a School Librarian?” or VAASL membership info—then fill out the form by May 4 for a $25 prize drawing!

Ready for #VAASL #SmallSteps25 Challenge 2? Share the VAASL Building Independent Readers one-pager with someone in your school & report it on the form—plus one way you inspire a love of reading. Each challenge = a chance to win! Deadline to report: May 4!

VAASL Awards, Grants & Scholarships are open to members (except when nominating a non-member like for Administrator of the Year). Apply by April 30—let’s celebrate your awesome work! Details & submission: www.vaasl.org/awards--gran...

Applications are now open for the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Grants! @ftrf.bsky.social offers $1,000 grants to support Banned Books Week (Oct 5–11, 2025) programming. Open to libraries, schools & nonprofits. Apply by April 30! Check your email for details (sent Apr 1)!