OELMA celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Let’s celebrate B-I-G by nominating yourself or a colleague for an OELMA award.  The nomination window opens February 16 and closes on March 23. In the meantime, be thinking of a colleague who you would like to nominate.

The Awards Committee, under the leadership of the Director of Communications, Melissa Wolf, is pleased to announce the following awards:

Ross J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award honors the work of Professor Todd and recognizes and encourages collaboration and partnerships between school library media specialists and the school community through joint planning of a program, project, or event in support of the curriculum, using school library resources, and incorporating Ohio’s Library Guidelines for Librarians (2021).

Emerging Leader Award recognizes OELMA members who have recently assumed an OELMA leadership role for the first time. This Award honors members who demonstrate leadership potential and encourages members’ active participation in OELMA.

Tech Innovation Award recognizes OELMA members who design, develop, and implement innovative uses of technology in instruction.  This award spotlights the importance of emerging technologies in supporting student learning.

Intellectual Freedom Award recognizes Ohio school librarians and/or other Ohio educators who demonstrate support for the American Library Association’s principles of intellectual freedom.

Leadership-in-Action Award recognizes Ohio school librarians pursuing active leadership roles in local schools, in OELMA, and in national professional organizations (e.g. AASL, ALA).  This award honors OELMA members demonstrating an ongoing commitment to leadership in the school library profession. 

Literacy Leader Award recognizes community organizations for exemplary support of literacy.  This award honors groups supporting literacy, which reinforces student learning.

OELMA/Follett School Solutions Outstanding School Librarian Award recognizes an Ohio licensed school librarian, who develops an exemplary school library program, collaborates with classroom teachers, implements technology-integrated instruction, and advocates for school libraries. The school librarian must have a minimum of three years of experience in that capacity.

OELMA-JLG Floyd Dickman Programming Grant honors the life and contributions of Floyd Dickman.  In partnership with Junior Library Guild, this grant is awarded annually to one Ohio school library to help fund programs that inspire children to embrace the fun and the joy that reading offers.  The grant continues the work that Floyd was so passionate about during his lifetime.

OELMA Service Award for School Administrators honors school administrator(s) whose leadership has made a significant contribution to the school library media program and services within their learning community.

Outstanding Contributor Award honors an Ohio licensed school librarian who has made outstanding contributions to school librarianship.  The honoree has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the school library profession, while serving in OELMA leadership roles.

Scholarship Descriptions

J. Allen Oakum Scholarship is a $500 stipend awarded to an Ohio resident enrolled in an accredited school library program pursuing licensure in school library media.  The scholarship is intended to help defray educational costs for future library media specialists as they complete their studies.

OELMA Founders Scholarship-This scholarship is up to a $1,000 stipend awarded to an Ohio resident enrolled in an accredited school library program pursuing licensure in school library media.  The scholarship is intended to help defray educational costs for future library media specialists as they complete their studies.

Student Award Descriptions

READ ON, Ohio! Award for Children & Teens recognizes K-12 students who are enthusiastic readers and users of the school library. The student must be nominated by an Ohio school library media specialist or a public library staff member.  Nominees must be enrolled in an Ohio K-12 school at the time of nomination.

If you have questions, please contact a member of the Awards Committee.

Casaundra Bronner

Heidi Fletcher

Lisa Gallagher (Co-chair)

Kris Konik

Susan Yutzey (Co-chair)

Lara Walker

Pam VanArsdale

Melissa Wolf (Director of Communications)

Congrats to Frank Baker! 

The OELMA Presidential Award recipient is selected by the OELMA President with the support of the Board of Directors and honors the contributions of an individual to the school library field.  This year, the recipient of the OELMA Presidential Award is Frank W. Baker, media consultant who has made it his mission to bring media literacy education to teachers and students for more than 25 years.  For him that meant creating an internationally recognized website, writing books for educators, and conducting hundreds of hands-on interactive workshops.  He believes that teaching critical thinking skills about media is more important than ever in a world where it seems everything on the internet is manipulated.  He applauds the work of school library media specialists - who are constantly on the frontiers of teaching media literacy and fighting for students’ rights. Frank very much values his long relationship with OELMA: contributing to its conferences and posting on the listserv.

Frank was unable to be with us at the conference.  He sent a video to address the OELMA audience. You can watch it here. 

Below is also the text of his acceptance speech:

Thank you so much for this honor.
The late Jane Goodall in one of her last interviews talked about her MISSION.  I can relate to that word. I’ve been on a mission.
She said: “what you do makes a difference”
As a missionary I wake up everyday asking myself: what more can I be doing; who have I not reached.

Today, It is me that should be honoring you!  Why? Because you all are at the FRONTLINES, with students and teachers everyday
and have the knowledge and skills to teach media literacy.  You make a difference.

With social media and algorithms spreading misinformation daily, it is more important than ever that WE redouble our media literacy efforts.

Finally, thank you OELMA for inviting me into your world.

Frank’s lifelong media literacy work was recognized by UNESCO's Global Alliance Partnership for Media & Information Literacy (GAPMIL) in 2019

For 10 years (2012-2022) he authored a blog about media literacy at Middleweb.com. 

In November 2025, Frank was awarded the Elizabeth Thoman Service Award by the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) for his contributions to media literacy.

The OELMA Awards Committee is pleased to announce the 2025 Awards Celebration and you are invited. This year, the Awards Celebration will be held over two days, Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15, during lunch.

From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday we will celebrate fifteen recipients for the following OELMA awards: Emerging Leader Award, Ross J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award, Founders Scholarship, Intellectual Freedom Award, Literacy Leader Award, Outstanding Contributor Award, Follett School Solutions Outstanding School Librarian Award, Service Award for School Administrators, and the Rosen Publishing School Librarian of the Month. The recipient of the Presidential Award will also be announced.  The Presidential Award recipient is selected by the OELMA President and honors the contributions of the individual to the field.  We look forward to that announcement.

On Saturday, November 15, from 11:15-12:15 we will celebrate our READ On! Ohio Award for Children & Teens Award recipients.  In addition to celebrating our twelve recipients, we are highlighting the award’s tenth year. Sixty-seven students are now part of the READ On! Ohio circle of avid readers. Grace Hammond, this year’s recipient of the Follett School Solutions Outstanding School Librarian of the Year Award, will give a 3-5 minute uplifting speech about school libraries on both Friday and Saturday.

The Award Celebration is one of the many highlights of the OELMA Conference.  Each year the presentation provides an opportunity for us to honor our colleagues for their many contributions to the field and to celebrate our avid readers.

We look forward to seeing you at the Awards Celebration.  Check out our social media posts on OELMA Facebook and Instagram for more details on the award recipients.

See you at the OELMA Conference - READ.LEARN.EVOLVE

Rosen Round Table at Conference

The OELMA Annual Conference, “Read, Learn, Evolve” at OCLC is on November 13-15.  Among the many excellent sessions is the Rosen Round Table, Saturday, November 15 at 1:15 p.m.

Join three Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarians of the Month for an engaging session during which each will share their project, program or lesson plan.  Sheree Crandall (November 2024), Portsmouth West Middle School librarian will share her exciting program, Career Day at Portsmouth West Middle School.  Kelly Silwani (February 2024), Olentangy Orange Middle School librarian, will share her lesson plan entitled “Truth or Faux.”  Pam VanArsdale (September 2020), St. Francis DeSales High School librarian will share how she engages high school students in poetry through Poetry Outloud.  Opportunities for questions will follow. A brief overview of the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month Award program will be conducted by facilitator Susan Yutzey, Past President, and Miriam Gilbert, Director of Rosen Online.

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month began in 2019 and since then thirty-six Ohio school librarians have received this distinguished award.  OELMA accepts nominations throughout the year; however, awards are given September through May of each school year.

So how can you become a Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month?  It’s as easy as 1,2,3.

1. Visit the OELMA website for the nomination form and guidelines before the 15th of each month

2. Determine which of your outstanding programs, projects or lesson plans you wish to highlight. Selection of the program, project or lesson plan is based on Ohio LIbrary Guidelines, outreach, advocacy, and best practices.

3. Complete the nomination form, upload a photo (png or jpg) of you and the project. Include additional support materials, if you wish. Click on submit and you are done!

Why is the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month program a win for you, your students, and your school building?

1. Each recipient receives a free set of high quality resources donated by Rosen Publishing

2. Each recipient receives a letter and press release acknowledging the award, as does the principal, and is featured in the OELMA listserv and social media

3. Each recipient is highlighted in an OELMA blog post

Rosen Publishing Group, since its founding in 1950, has supported librarians with outstanding books, ebooks, and databases. OELMA is grateful for Rosen Publishing’s support throughout the years.  We are particularly excited because Rosen Publishing Group’s Miriam Gilbert, Director of Rosen Online, will be one of two facilitators at the Rosen Round Table.

See you at Conference 2025!  Let’s rock those Rosen Publishing Outstanding School Librarian of the Month applications this year!

Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month

What is it? Why should you nominate yourself or an OELMA colleague?

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month recognizes one school librarian a month who designs, develops, and implements a collaborative lesson plan and/or programming that empowers student learning. This award spotlights the importance of both the school library community and librarian and the pivotal role each plays in transforming learning throughout students’ K-12 education.

Consider nominating yourself or another OELMA library media specialist to be considered for the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the month!  You can nominate yourself or a colleague anytime.  One recipient is selected by the 15th of each month (except June, July, August).  Recipients receive a free set of books published by Rosen. The Rosen award nomination form can be accessed under the Professional Recognition tab. Contact Susan Yutzey (oelma.awards@gmail.com) with any questions. 

OELMA has partnered with Rosen Publishing for this award since 2019 when Leslie Haynum, school library media specialist at Kimpton Middle School, received the award for a collaboration with the Stowe-Munroe Falls Public Library.  From April 2019 until May 2025, we have honored thirty-six school librarians with the Rosen.

For the first time, the Awards Committee sponsored a Rosen Panel at the 2024 Annual Conference that featured Melissa Wolf (2022) and Angie Jameson (2020) who shared their Rosen projects and discussed the benefits, both personally and professionally, of being named a Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month.  This year we are pleased to sponsor a Rosen Panel featuring Kelly Silwani, Sheree Crandall, and Pam VanArsdale. Stay tuned for more details.

We are pleased to partner with Rosen because since its establishment in 1950, Rosen has offered engaging print and digital books on a wide range of topics that are aligned with the curriculum.  Rosen is also known for its databases and interactive e-books.

Congratulations Angela Husband, 

May Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month 

Congratulations, Angela Husband, library media specialist at Cleveland Metro School District. Angela is the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month for May.

The goal of the project “Book Creator Celebrating Young Authors” is to focus on two objectives: inquiry and creation.  Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes generating products that illustrate learning.  Acquiring digital skills, students log in to Book Creator and learn how to use some of the tools and features within it to create multimedia content.  The final product is the creation of an ebook.

The duration of the project is eight (8) weeks or 8 sessions at 45 minutes per class. The necessary supplies include the Book Creator App, Chrome book or other personal laptop. The project can be done across disciplines.  As Angela explained in her application - “teachers can have the book assignment reflect their particular subject.”

The end product was an ebook that focused on a super hero theme that included a cover with title, author, and picture. In the story, students enrolled at Valley View Boys’ Leadership Academy had to share how they gained their superpowers and how they use them.  The project was in collaboration with a fourth grade ELA teacher.  After students learned the basics of Book Creator, they had the creative license to write and design the book as long as it included key story elements. Once the projects were completed, the books were published online and the class celebrated their accomplishment. Several copies were printed, signed, and given to younger students to read.  As Angela shared “one student was excited and said his book sold out; another said he would buy me a car from his book sales.  It was a joy to celebrate young authors.”

In her elevator pitch for “Book Creator Celebrating Young Authors,” Angela said “Looking for a fun way to get your students engaged in reading and writing? Here’s how Book Creator can help! Book Creator is designed to be used by everyone.  With hundreds of accessibility features built right in, this tool will make your classroom an inclusive space.  There are so many ways to collaborate with other teachers and opportunities for peer collaboration.  It is truly magical to witness student creations come to life.  The key to authentic learning is developing future-ready skills such as collaboration and communication.  With the option to publish books online, students can share their books within the community and worldwide promoting literacy near and far.  NOW LET’S CREATE AND CELEBRATE!

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month recognizes one school librarian a month who designs, develops, and implements a collaborative lesson plan and/or programming that empowers student learning. This award spotlights the importance of both the school library community and librarian and the pivotal role each plays in transforming learning throughout students’ K-12 education.

Consider nominating yourself or another OELMA Library Media Specialist to be considered for the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month!  The Rosen award nomination form can be accessedunder the Professional Recognition tab. Contact Susan Yutzey (oelma.awards@gmail.com) with any questions. Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month are selected September through May, but please nominate yourself or a colleague anytime during the year.

Congratulations Angela!

Are you looking for summer PD that can be immediately applied to your school library? Are you looking for PD to renew your license? But it can’t be anything too taxing, after all, it is summer break. OELMA is pleased to offer a virtual book study using the book entitled, Using Literature to Support Children’s Mental Health edited by Kim Becnel and Robin A. Moeller. The class will meet virtually on Tuesday mornings between June 17th & July 8th with special guest authors throughout. The class will wrap up with a student project designed to be implemented into their school library. An optional final project round table will be held in early August for those wishing to share their project with the class and receive feedback.

The class is available for general information, for a 15 hour attendance certificate or one graduate credit through Ashland University. OELMA members as well as nonOELMA members are welcome to join the class. Sign up between now and June 16th on OELMA.org.  

The Awards Committee is in its final week of promoting OELMA Awards.  Your life’s work as a school librarian and as an advocate for students’ right to read what they want, when they want, should be applauded.  Your professional association, the Ohio Educational Library Media Association, is here for you, to support you in your efforts to become the leader in your building, your district, that you want to become.

Many of our past award recipients have eloquently expressed the profound honor it is to receive an OELMA award and what it has meant to them personally and professionally. Here are some of their thoughts:

“Garner additional recognition and support for our program. In turn, the support has helped us to evolve and create a even more dynamic learning opportunity for our students, which is always the goal.”  Kristin Roope

“Inspired me to return to my leadership roles with renewed vigor”

 Brandi Young, OELMA Leadership-in-Action Award

“Reinforced the power of libraries as spaces for connection, creativity, and growth and a platform to advocate for Ohio libraries.” 

Angie Jameson, OELMA/Follett School Solutions Outstanding School Librarian Award

“Able to affirm that OELMA recognizes the work I have done in my various roles of leadership.”

Sarah Thornbery, OELMA Outstanding Contributor Award

Receiving the OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award was a profound honor that reinforced my commitment to advocating for students’ right to read and access diverse perspectives.”

Kristin Dages, OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award

“These awards celebrate the vital work we do.”

Kristin Dages, OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award

“Receiving several OELMA awards over the years has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally.  It has reinforced my passion for the work I do within my school community and stakeholders as well as my volunteer work with OELMA. The awards have encouraged me to evolve in my role as an advocate for students, school librarians, educators, and the power of school libraries.”

Angela Wojtecki, OELMA Outstanding Contributor

Imagine what receiving an OELMA award can do for you in both your personal and professional life?  Apply by April 4 by 11:59 p.m. 

Thank you,

The OELMA Awards Committee

Congratulations Ellen Lewis, 

March Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month 

Congratulations, Ellen Lewis, library media specialist at Chapman Elementary School, Strongsville City School District. Ellen is the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month for March.

Ellen was nominated by Joan Battle, school library media specialist at Center and and Albion middle schools. Joan had this to say about the goals and learning objectives of the Sensory Book Collection at Chapman: “We wanted to address the needs of students with more intensive special needs in our building who would benefit from additional sensory interaction with literature; making books more accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful to them.”  Furthermore, she stated “We wanted to provide books with a variety of tactile, auditory, and sensory feedback to our students.”  The students can use the books during their weekly library story time, in their classrooms, and to check out so that they can share the books with their families.

Currently the collection includes sixty books that are heavily used and are so popular that Ellen and Joan are looking to create a similar collection at another elementary school that has students with tactile, auditory, and sensory needs. The collection was initially introduced during their weekly library story time and students were then able to check them out to take to their respective classrooms and homes.

Chapman Elementary partnered with the PTA and obtained a grant to purchase the books for the collection.  In addition to the partnership, Ellen advertised the special collection and received donations from various school and community members.

As part of the nomination, the OELMA Awards Committee asks the nominator to write an “elevator pitch” for the program/activity/lesson plan that includes a statement about the impact on the learning community.  Here’s the elevator pitch for the Sensory Book Collection:

We have created a “Sensory” book collection in our Chapman school library. These books are for our population who would benefit from additional sensory interaction with literature making books more accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful to them.  The books have features such as textures, sounds, and buttons to manipulate.  Our special needs population comes in once a week to spend time exploring the collection and can check out a book or two to enjoy with their families.

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month recognizes one school librarian a month who designs, develops, and implements a collaborative lesson plan and/or programming that empowers student learning. This award spotlights the importance of both the school library community and librarian and the pivotal role each plays in transforming learning throughout students’ K-12 education.

Consider nominating yourself or another OELMA Library Media Specialist to be considered for the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month!  The Rosen award nomination form can be accessedunder the Professional Recognition tab. Contact Susan Yutzey (oelma.awards@gmail.com) with any questions.

Congratulations Ellen!

The Awards Committee is in its 5th week of promoting OELMA Awards.  Let’s recap what receiving an OELMA award means to Kristin Roope, Brandi Young, and Angie Jameson:

“Garner additional recognition and support for our program. In turn, the support has helped us to evolve and create a even more dynamic learning opportunity for our students, which is always the goal.”  Kristin Roope

“Inspired me to return to my leadership roles with renewed vigor” Brandi Young

“Step into a broader arena by presenting at two international professional development events.” Brandi Young

“Motivated me to return to OETC as a presenter.” Brandi Young

“Bolstered my confidence to take on new challenges.” Brandi Young

“Be braver - to speak louder, advocate harder, and push boundaries.” Brandi Young

“Deepened my commitment to serving my school library community, my staff, and my students.” Brandi Young

“Expand collaboration with teachers; foster new partnerships.” Brandi Young

“Validated my efforts and reinforced my passion for leadership, innovation, and advocacy.”  Brandi Young

“Reinforced the power of libraries as spaces for connection, creativity, and growth.” Angie Jameson

“Gave me a platform to advocate for Ohio libraries.” Angie Jameson

“Able to showcase the vital role libraries play in education, literacy, and community building.” Angie Jameson

“Inspired than ever to continue shaping an inclusive, dynamic library that serves as the heart of our school community.” Angie Jameson

Imagine what receiving an OELMA award can do for you in both your personal and professional life?  Apply by April 4 by 11:59 p.m. 

Thank you,

The OELMA Awards Committee