NEWS RELEASES > OCTOBER 19, 2017
MCHENRY, IL – Follett, a trusted provider of educational resources to K-12 institutions for more than 140 years, is being honored by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) with the organization’s 2017 Pillar Award. Follett will receive the honor Friday evening (Oct. 20) at ISLMA’s Awards Dinner Banquet in Springfield, Ill., which caps the association’s three-day 2017 conference. The ISLMA Board of Directors selected Follett as the Pillar Award recipient for the McHenry, Ill.-based company’s “distinguished and exceptional service and contribution to ISLMA and the school library community.”
“Follett’s support of school libraries and school librarians has been unwavering in the midst of ongoing budget cuts and state budget choices,” said Katherine Hlousek, Grants and Awards Function Representative, ISLMA.
Follett recently announced it was intensifying its support of K-12 school libraries and librarians by partnering with EveryLibrary, a Chicago-based political action committee dedicated to advocating for libraries and librarians at the state level.
“It is imperative the public understand the importance of school librarians and strong library programs for the students of Illinois,” said Patti Fleser, outgoing ISLMA President. “Between ISLMA, EveryLibrary, and Follett, we will continue this effort as we focus on restoring licensed school librarians to districts in Illinois.”
The EveryLibrary partnership is the latest example of Follett’s advocacy in this area. Follett also formed Project Connect, a national initiative to advocate for school libraries and elevate the role of the librarian in K-12 schools, and actively supports Future Ready Schools® (FRS) as the exclusive sponsor of Future Ready Librarians® (FRL).
The ISLMA Awards Banquet will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield, Ill. Follett will be represented at the event by Wayne Schumann, Regional Sales Director, Follett School Solutions.
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