launching the 90th anniversary of the School Library Association in partnership with the Dame Commanders Society

A programme of short speeches accompanied by a video and stories followed by celebratory refreshments.

Event aims:

To celebrate the role of school libraries in helping children and young people fulfill their potential

To raise support for our 90th anniversary manifesto calling for a commitment to long- term funding and support for school libraries

To celebrate the School Library Association’s 90 years of championing school libraries and all who work in them

The School Library Association marks its 90th anniversary in 2027. Following a National Year of Reading that has emphasised the many benefits of building reading communities, our 90th anniversary campaign will bring the urgent need for school libraries to the top of the national agenda. As education and digital landscapes shift, as mental health concerns and attainment gaps grow, the positive impact a school library can have on every child and young person should be amplified and celebrated.

The School Library Association's 90th anniversary provides the opportunity to celebrate school libraries, and to harness the power of our organisation’s patrons and supporters to increase our reach and launch a new manifesto, to lobby government to commit to long-term, ring-fenced funding for staffed school libraries. Through a combined approach including high profile events and school activities, alongside research and funded support, we will drive change and encourage everyone who cares about children and young people’s futures to join our campaign.

Description supplied by the event organiser.