In cracking open the Pandora box of librarianship day after day, in promoting voices that have been shuttered, librarianship has morphed in front of so many. Divisions between counties, states, and types of librarians and libraries need to disappear, and collaboration grow exponentially.

-Students like Olivia and Suzely make library level decisions that impact the collection and they go on to create displays that invite and initiate discussions from books to voices. They dig, they interview, the create, they discover, they connect. Students deemed socially uncomfortable or keeping to themselves like Korin, Bryce Kelly, Logan find their voice and their “third space” in the most unexpected ways when it comes to tying librarianship to the world around us.

-Admin like Kelley, Annie, Sue, Tom, to name a few, show what can be done for just taking a risk in collections and development representing voices not usually funded or found,

-Teachers like Kira, RoseMarie, and Sara take time out of an already tight curriculum to open the world to their students,

-Parents like Jennifer who do not sit passively but challenge the myths behind what removing books can do to influence young minds,

-Organizations like AASL, DLA, Girls Who Code, DASL, Upward Bound, NEA, Everylibrary.org, the Humanities and Independent bookstores support school and public librarian initiatives and spaces

–Senators and representatives change decisions as they hear voices of youth that are trying to preserve spaces and resources they treasure. The world comes into their spaces. What you can dream can become reality and our students believe this, our school librarians need to continue to support this.

-Movers and shaker liaison supporters like Susan, Catherine, Jennifer, Michelle, and Debbie, show what happens when you bring amplified voices to the forefront that were normally shushed, hidden or put on a shelf.

Any award, recognition, or hurdle that is set before us that amplifies voice is worth going after. Pushing our voice to the forefront to advocate for others safe spaces and inform against a tide of misinformation, priceless. This can come in the form of librarian Karoake, fluffer pumpkin Ice Cream, laughing and celebrating with colleagues from North Dakota, Maryland, and all over the U.S., and keeping the box of librarianship open.

Our students and community rely on this box to be opened to keep myths at bay and realities of librarianship growing. As advocates and protectors of voice and information, we find more third spaces to connect, represent, and grow those that have remained in hiding far too long. Thank you ! –so much for providing opportunities for so many amazing talents here to be represented and advocate for the very element that brings voices together and enables opportunity – The Toor Family and AASL have been instrumental in opening this box of opportunity!