It was with real sadness that we heard about the death of Aidan Chambers, Patron and President of the School Library Association (2003 – 2005), and a shining advocate for the importance of libraries in education.
Aidan’s contributions to young adult literature were revolutionary. His novels speak directly and authentically to teen readers, addressing complex themes like identity, sexuality, love, and death without condescension. Never a writer to shy away from difficult subjects, Aidan’s books also take readers into new territory with their experimental use of style and form. His novels remain some of the most exciting books for teen readers, their energy and authenticity encouraging true engagement with literature.
When accepting the role of SLA President, Aidan reflected on his own journey and the role the SLA had played: "I was surprised and honoured to be invited to be President of the SLA. When I became a teacher librarian in 1961 without any training for the job, my local branch was indispensable. I have supported the SLA's work ever since.
I know from experience and from visiting schools that the library can, and should, be the cultural and educational heart of a school, the place where pupils are stimulated and helped to become readers for pleasure, as well as the best resource for information. The success of this depends on the skill, book knowledge and energy of the librarian.
I was determined as President to do all I could to raise the status of school librarians. That's why, with the help of the SLA Committee, we established the School Librarian of the Year Award, which I am glad to see continues to be given every year."
This vision for school libraries as the cultural and educational heart of schools continues to inspire our work. You can read more about the SLA in Aidan's own words in this blog post, in which he sums up his time as President and what the SLA meant to him.
The establishment of the School Librarian of the Year Award is a lasting legacy. This annual award has become a cornerstone of recognition for secondary school library staff who dedicate themselves to promoting literacy, imagination, discovery and learning. The news of Aidan’s death comes as we prepare to celebrate 20 years of the School Librarian of the Year Award. We will remember him at the award ceremony in November.
As we reflect on Aidan Chambers' remarkable life and contributions, we are grateful for his deep understanding of books and reading as essential tools to help young people discover and understand themselves and the world around them.
SLA CEO Victoria Dilly said: “So many of us who are passionate about reading will have been influenced by Aidan Chambers' work - he had so much insight and understanding of how to build reading communities and support young readers. His work informed my thinking and practice as a librarian and reinforces the importance of why reading environments, like a school library, really do matter; and why time to talk and converse about books is so important to developing reading identities.
I've often referenced his work in delivering training to NQTs in schools and working with teachers to develop approaches to supporting readers in schools. Aidan's work encourages a collaborative approach to help children discover a love of reading; I have applied and seen this approach be successful on so many occasions."
The School Library Association extends heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved this extraordinary champion of young people's literature.
If you'd like to turn to a classic Aidan Chambers novel today, we suggest reading and recommending any of the titles in the exquisite Dance Sequence, or for some insightful, practical advice on book talk in the classroom or library, try Tell Me.
