News and Information
2027 Readers’ Choice Awards
AISLE is proud to announce the 2027 Readers’ Choice Lists are here! The committees, made of school librarians and educators (as well as teens for the Lincoln) have spent the past year reading and evaluating the nominated books to narrow down from hundreds of possibilities to the final 20 books on each of these lists. We hope you are just as excited!
2027 Illinois Monarch Award Master List
2027 Illinois Bluestem Award Master List
2027 Illinois Rebecca Caudill Award Master List
2027 Illinois Lincoln Award Master List
Don’t forget to vote for your school’s favorite 2026 book for all four awards by March 15th.
2026 Annual Conference
Join us for our 2026 AISLE Conference, Thursday-Saturday, November 12-14, 2026, at the Westin in Lombard, IL.
This year the theme is Stronger Together. Click here to learn more about conference.
AI Resources for School Librarians
This document provides a curated list of AI-related resources, cut down to be concise and highly relevant for school librarians. The goal is to equip librarians with introductory information on AI, its ethical implications, and practical applications in an educational setting.
AISLE Is for Everyone!
Are you a member of AISLE? Have you considered joining? AISLE isn’t just for school librarians—everyone is welcome! Our membership includes public librarians, library staff, parents, administrators, and others who believe in the important role libraries play in supporting students and lifelong learning.
AISLE and Its Members Promote:
- Student interaction with information and ideas to help them make informed decisions.
- Continuing education for school library media specialists through conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Collaboration among parents, community members, teachers, and administrators to prepare students for lifelong learning.
AISLE Membership Benefits Include:
- Advocacy for school librarians and school libraries
- Access to the AISLE Update and Advocate
- Reduced registration rates for the annual conference
- Reduced rates for professional development opportunities
- Leadership opportunities through AISLE committees
- Grants, awards, and scholarships
- Networking with colleagues and other library advocates
- And so much more!
Whether you’re a school librarian, public librarian, educator, parent, administrator, or simply someone who supports strong school libraries, there’s a place for you in AISLE
It’s All About Advocacy
Click here to explore tips and action plans with ready-to-go resources to assist you in advocating for your students, staff and library program. These ideas will highlight the value of school libraries and the library staff—stressing the importance of partnering, collaborating and communicating. See a snapshot of what advocacy should look like in your school library and why it is so crucial to maintain a thriving library program.
Quick Links
Social Connect
AISLE & Member Library Highlights
Salt Creek Primary School: This amazing “The Hat” display was created by our former librarian Bobbie Kocim. Our students love it!

Woodland Middle School: Have you completed your Wordle today? Maybe these 5-letter titles from the Woodland Middle School collection can help?