Grijalva Will Receive American Library Association 2011 Public Service Award for Support of Libraries in Public Education on May 9
Washington, D.C. – The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has announced it will award the 2011 Public Service Award to Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva May 9 as part of National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. In 2009 and in several previous Congresses, Grijalva introduced the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act, which seeks to place at least one highly qualified school library media specialist in each public school.
The bill also focuses on increasing the number of highly qualified teachers, library media specialists, and principals and assistant principals. Grijalva remains a strong supporter of these goals and of the role of libraries in public education, and has said he intends to pursue an approach under the House Republican majority that includes increased resources for libraries and library media specialists.
“Schools are more than a collection of classrooms – they’re places where students can learn day in and day out in a variety of ways,” Grijalva said. “Libraries and librarians make each school richer and more unique, and I’ve always believed in their ability to make learning an enjoyable lifelong experience. I humbly thank ALTAFF for this honor and want to let them know I won’t stop fighting for libraries in this difficult economy.”
The Public Service Award is given annually by ALTAFF to a legislator who has been especially supportive of libraries.
