What kind of souvenirs do you bring home from a trip?  The most common souvenirs are:

• Postcards

• Ornaments

• T-shirts

• Shot Glasses

• Tattoos

• Sand in a Bottle

• Fridge Magnets

• Tea Towels

Souvenirs are defined as “a usually small and relatively inexpensive given, kept or purchased as a reminder of a place visited, an occasion, etc.  

The OELMA awards, like souvenirs, come in many shapes and sizes.  There are engraved plaques, engraved trophies, framed certificates, and certificates.  More than the physical tributes, the awards are reminders of an occasion in which the recipient is honored for what they have achieved in their profession.  As Angela Wojtecki states “An OELMA award is truly special because it is a testament that the work you do on a daily basis is being seen by others in the field.  It is empowering and a very special honor to receive an OELMA award as a school librarian and educator. An OELMA award means that you are recognized by your colleagues who know the “dedication and effort we put into the work we do in our libraries.”

Receiving the OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award was incredibly important to Kristin Dages “because it recognizes the critical role that school libraries and librarians play in ensuring that diverse viewpoints and ideas are accessible to all of our students.  In a time where there is increasing pressure to censor or limit access to information, winning this award signifies a commitment to upholding the principles of intellectual freedom and providing safe and welcoming space for our students and staff to explore and engage with ideas.This award not only celebrates the important work that we do as librarians but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect our students’ access to diverse collections and promote free expression in our communities.”

For Kate Loker, recipient of the 2022 Tech Innovation Award, it propelled her professionally into more opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and to share her passions for literacy and technology in her school community. Leading beyond the school library into the community, Lori Pringle’s leadership in bringing media literacy awareness and professional development  to educators, school library media specialists, and students will have a long lasting impact.

Members of the Awards Committee urge you to examine the list of OELMA awards, scholarships, and grants this week and nominate yourself or a colleague for the award that is special because it is a testament to the work that all school librarians are deeply passionate about.

Awards are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 5.

Sincerely,

The Awards Committee

Casaundra Bronner

Gayle Brusk

Heidi Fletcher

Lisa Gallagher

Cheryl Lorson

Susan Yutzey