Keeping Up with KASL

My name is Lindsy Serrano, and I am honored to serve as your President for the 2024-2025 school year. Here’s a bit about me: I moved to Kentucky in 2014 to become a school librarian in Louisville. Prior to that, I worked as a Teen Services librarian at the New York Public Library. I quickly fell in love with my new role, as we truly have the best jobs in a school building. However, I missed the camaraderie of the public library, where I had colleagues to share ideas, jokes, and gossip. In the school library, I was on my own and unsure how to teach children regularly. And unlike the public library, I couldn’t simply kick out unruly patrons!

My first year was certainly challenging. But then I discovered KASL, and the librarian community I had longed for came into my life with full force. I was thrilled, energized, and embraced my new library community.

KASL advocates for you, offers new ideas, and helps you feel the joy of being the heart of your school community. Thank you for joining us at the Summer Refresher and for being part of this creative, resilient community. If you’re not yet a member, we look forward to you joining us!

Next year’s Summer Refresher theme is “Inspiring Future Readers and Leaders.” Remember, you are the spark that will inspire and inform your students, and your impact can be profound. I hope you’ll join us in Louisville next year!

Finally, I want to thank Carrie Wilkerson for her incredible work during her presidency. Her innovative ideas for increasing membership and relentless advocacy for librarians across the state have been remarkable. Whether organizing events, brainstorming new initiatives, or rallying support for important causes, Carrie always brought unparalleled energy and commitment. Carrie, thank you for your passion, dedication, party planning, scooter poses, and infectious laughter. Your ability to make every project enjoyable and your unwavering support have made a lasting impression on all of us. I am honored to work with you and hope to be your consigliere forever!

Thank you again for having me as your President. I look forward to hearing from you, discussing new books, finding creative solutions to challenges, making jokes about databases, and sharing stories about our students! Have a wonderful rest of your summer and a great start to your school year!

This year, KASL is organizing a series of virtual programs for members. It's a great opportunity to connect, check in, and learn from your fellow librarians throughout the year. To ensure we plan effectively, we kindly request your input! Please take a moment to complete the survey provided below. Thank you!

Having served on the KASL board in a variety of positions since 2011, Emily Northcutt continues to make an impact in her current role as Advocacy Chair. The goal of KASL Advocacy is to assist our organization with communication, organizing, and taking action when needed. We all know the importance and value of school libraries and the work of school librarians, but there are plenty of people who need to hear about what we contribute to learning! Some of her Advocacy Committee goals this year are to continue our progress in learning to navigate legislative proceedings, create new materials for supporters to use, and to continue building relationships with other Kentucky organizations so that we can work together to benefit teaching and learning.

If I join KASL, am I also a member of my region as well?

If you join KLA, you can choose KASL as your subsection and you are a member of both! This does not, however, make you a member of your region. There is usually a separate membership fee to pay to regions (usually less than $20).

How do I become a member of KASL?

Go to https://kla.memberclicks.net/home and click on JOIN/RENEW. You can either pay with credit card or with purchase order.

How do I find out more about my region and becoming a member there as well?

Each district has a president that is more than willing to help you! You can find out more about your district on the KASL website district page.

If I have questions, is there anyone out there to help me?

KASL membership chair, Kristy Lovett, and KLA membership chair, Erin Weaver are both here to help!