[CASL-L] Fwd: AASL Member Forum: Level Up School Library Advocacy Webinar : April 21, 2026 7pm est

[CASL President]

I've found these ACT4SL webinars outstanding. I've previously shared this
webinar on the listserv; now, the Zoom link is included below. There's no
need to register. (I may have a conflict on Wednesday night, but I know I
can go back to the  ACT4SL Libguide
<https://antiochlis.libguides.com/act4sl/home>  later to watch the
recording.)

*Valerie DiLorenzo*
CASL President

[image: image.png]






---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Katherine Lester via ALA Connect <Mail at connectedcommunity.org>
Date: Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 5:56 AM
Subject: AASL Member Forum: Level Up School Library Advocacy Webinar :
April 21, 2026 7pm est
To: <president at ctcasl.org>


ACT4SL (Act for School Libraries) invites you to join our upcoming webinar:
Title: Level Up School Library Advocacy: Stakeholders Speak Date &...
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Katherine Lester
<https://connect.ala.org/network/members/profile?UserKey=28fed476-2dea-4599-ba02-0ca69eecbf5b>

ACT4SL (Act for School Libraries) invites you to join our upcoming webinar:

Title: Level Up School Library Advocacy: Stakeholders Speak
Date & Time: *April 21, 2026* | *7:00 PM EST*

*ZOOM: LINK
<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89812126349?pwd=sYduu3EQRTQaJfMtRdYQDOzIWIeAlY.1>*
*(no need to register -- put this link in your calendar now -- so you do
not forget)*

In celebration of School Library Month, ACT4SL will host a webinar this
month focused on expanding advocacy efforts and strengthening the role of
school libraries within our educational communities.





Overview:

This engaging panel will feature three key stakeholders: a school board
representative, and two superintendents, who will share their perspectives
on the value of school libraries.

Together, they will address:

   -

   How school librarians can effectively approach and engage with
   decision-makers to advocate for the school library
   -

   What inspired them to become advocates for school libraries
   -

   Practical strategies librarians can use to inform school boards,
   administrators, and the broader school community about the impact of their
   work

This webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from those
involved in educational leadership and decision-making, providing
actionable insights to strengthen your advocacy efforts.

Panelist Bios:

Shawn Arnold, Juneau, Alaska

*Superintendent of Juneau School District*

Shawn Arnold has called  Alaska home since 1994. After a 23-year career in
the Army and Air Force Military Service- including 10 years of active duty
where he specialized in contingency operations and capacities to counter
terrorist situations- Sean retired in  2017 with over 20 years of
leadership experience. Shawn started his education career teaching in the
Yukon-Koyukuk and Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Districts. He then moved
into leadership, serving as Superintendent of  Nome Public Schools and
Valdez City Schools. In Juneau, Shawn worked as Director of Student
Services and as Principal of both Thunder Mountain High School and Thunder
Mountain Middle School. Recently, Shawn was chosen to return as
Superintendent of the Juneau School District. He also took part in the
2021-2023 American Association of School Librarians School Leader
Collaborative, a national effort to explore leadership roles of school
librarians.



April Grace

*Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools *

April Grace has served as an Oklahoma educator for more than 30 years,
working with communities to improve the lives of students, families, and
staff at every level. She began her career as a high school science teacher
and coach, and over the years, transitioned to administrative roles in four
districts, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges school
districts face today. In 2016, April was named superintendent of Shawnee
Public Schools, where her work resulted in Shawnee Public Schools being
named one of the state's top workplaces in 2019. Winning several awards
over the years- including being awarded the AASL Distinguished School
Administrator Award in 2021- Dr. Grace understands the importance of all
members of each school's community working together for student success.



Nidhi Satiani

*Upper Arlington (OH) School Board Member*

Nidhi Satiani is a second-year doctoral student in the Public Policy and
Management program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where she
brings 20 years of experience as a clinical and research optometrist. A
hopeful thinker and doer who finds patterns where others see complexity,
Nidhi believes that inclusive, evidence-based policy can build more
equitable communities where everyone is empowered to flourish.

Her research investigates how public K-12 education and local community
culture can serve as the engine of a healthy democracy. She views education
as a critical social determinant of health and uses a mixed-methods
approach to examine how school organizational structures cultivate
democratic norms like civic discourse and institutional trust.

Beyond her studies, Nidhi is deeply engaged in her community through recent
board service with organizations including the Mount Carmel Health
Foundation, Ohio State Mortar Board Alumni Council, and Erase the Space. As
the first person of color elected to her local Board of Education, she
works to elevate underrepresented perspectives.

About ACT4SL:
ACT4SL is a national initiative dedicated to empowering school librarians
through advocacy, collaboration, and professional learning opportunities.
Our mission is to amplify the voice and visibility of school librarians at
local, state, and national levels.

Learn more and access resources here: ACT4SL Libguide
<https://antiochlis.libguides.com/act4sl/home>

More details to come, including the official flyer and Zoom link. Please
feel free to share this save-the-date with colleagues and state
organizations.

As always, we look forward to having you join us on April 21st @ 7 PM EST.



Yours in advocacy,


ACT4SL Team:

Christy Kaaland (WA), Deb Kachel (PA), Kathy Lester (MI),

Tricina Strong-Beebe (NJ), Susan Yutzey (OH)


------------------------------
Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA
Adjunct Faculty, Wayne State University, School of Information Science
School Library Consultant
ALA Committee on Legislation (COL) Member
ALA Law for Librarians (L4L) Trainee
AASL Past President, 2022-2023
ALA Councilor At Large, 2021-2024
MASL Advocacy Chair, Past-President 2014
kathylester.lib at gmail.com
kathyL at mimasl.org
Twitter: @LibraryL
------------------------------
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