SLA Celebrated September as Stronger Together Month

This September, the School Library Association proudly celebrated Stronger Together Month, a time to honour the incredible work being done by school library staff across the country.

Throughout the month, members of the community shared their stories, giving heartfelt recognition to those who have made a real difference. We are delighted to share the fantastic shout-outs and are thankful to those who have participated:

• Aarti Mistry, Wakefield Girls High School, shared her appreciation for Abida Iqbal, noting: “Abida is our new LRC (learning resources centre also known as the school library), I am not a reader or fan of reading. Abida took time and patience to introduce me to a range of books that I would enjoy.  She is knowledgeable and very approachable.” 
• Sarah Dufton highlighted the support from Assistant Head Teacher Julie Gauntlett, saying: “Assistant Head Teacher Julie Gauntlett because she constantly reminds me what a good job I am doing in the library with the space, events, and my enthusiasm around reading.” 
• Susan Stonard from John Madejski Academy expressed her gratitude to the Berkshire Book Award. 
• Alex Cunningham gave a shout-out to the SLA Norfolk & Suffolk branch, stating: “They have been so welcoming of me as a primary librarian in a predominantly secondary group. I really look forward to our termly meet-ups.” 
• Someone gave an anonymous shout-out to Olivia Whittingham, saying: “Olivia Whittingham - providing me with a super useful induction to a school library so that I was able to operate effectively as a school librarian from day one; always being positive about how we, as a team, make a valuable contribution to our pupils and staff for their use; allowing me to use my knowledge and experience to further enhance the operation of the school library. 
  Olivia is a lovely Line Manager and I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to work in the BSL (Big School Library) which is housed in the original school itself; we have a modern library system and trending books as well as classics (books and effective seating) in an historical setting.”

Celebrating Our Winners!

We also took the opportunity to celebrate our amazing members, without whom the SLA simply would not exist.  

A big congratulations to the winners of our prize draw: 

1. Susan Staniforth (Independent) – £50 voucher
2. L'Ecole Des Petits & L'Ecole De Battersea (All through) – 0-7 books
3. St Bede's School (Secondary) – 8-12 books
4. Cheadle Hulme School (All through) – 0-7 books
5. John Henry Newman Catholic College – 8-12 books
6. Rodborough School – 13-16 books
7. South Charnwood High School – 13-16 books
8. Beth Jenkinson – Free webinar
9. Horndean Technology College – Free webinar 

The Stronger Together Month initiative underscored the importance of collaboration within the school library community. It’s a wonderful reminder that by supporting each other, we continue to build environments that nurture curiosity, learning, and growth.