Membership in MASL

The Maryland Association of School Librarians serves over 600 school librarians in Maryland and surrounding states.  Having supported Maryland school librarians for over 40 years, MASL understands the concerns and realities of practicing librarians and is driven to help members elevate their professional practice and advocate for this indispensable profession.

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Features of MASL Membership

• Advocacy: Promoting School Libraries by advocating for April to be recognized by the State of Maryland as School Library Month; Resisting book challenges and position cuts using the Advocacy Now form; Working with legislators and library supporters to pass the Freedom to Read Act; Developing position statements that tie current research and understanding to the core values and best practices of MASL members.
• Black-Eyed Susan (BES) Book Award:Celebrating authors and illustrators for more than 30 years; Recognizing 150 titles with the MD BES Award; Developing lesson seeds, book displays, read alikes, social media posts, and bookmarks for over 1700 nominated titles; Inspiring Maryland students to read and vote for Picture Books, Nonfiction, Fiction, and Graphic Novels.
• Awards: Recognizing excellence with programs such as Maryland School Librarian of the Year, Maryland’s Monthly Amazing School Librarian, and the Michele Forney MASL Conference Scholarship.
• Professional Development: Offering valuable virtual and in person training; Partnering with vendors for impactful learning.
• Conference: Hosting a robust bi-annual conference to foster innovation and growth; Cultivating leaders by encouraging a diverse group of presenters; Promoting networking opportunities between vendors and the library community.

Future membership benefits:

• Increasing the impact of the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award with additional author panels, stronger publisher relationships, and greater recognition of participating educators.
• Developing scholarships for future librarians, professional development, and conference attendance.
• Designing an Advocacy Toolkit and participating in advanced advocacy training.
• Strengthening communication with members through website updates, regular blog posts, streamlined social media sharing, and tools like list-servs and support circles to help members engage with committees and each other.
• Enhancing professional development offerings with in-person workshops and monthly webinars.
• Build school librarian leadership capacity by providing ways to Get Involved on local, state, and national levels.
• Increasing member engagement with new incentives, social events, and targeted outreach to lapsed members.
• Expanding School Library Month support to promote the positive impact of School Libraries.
• Offering Continuing Education Credits for recertification.
• Continuing to partner with the Maryland Library Association, CEASOM, Citizens for Maryland Libraries, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland State Library Agency, and other education and library organizations through the state.

While we are an all volunteer organization, there are costs associated with the continued growth and running of MASL in order to bring you the most for your membership. Your membership dues directly support our efforts to connect, engage, and celebrate the school library community. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to MASL. Together, we can make an even greater impact on Maryland school libraries, students, and educators.

Rates:

Annual membership:  $50.00

Membership runs one year from the date of registration.

Join or Renew Today!

JOIN MASL AND CONNECT WITH SCHOOL LIBRARY LEADERS!!