We are pleased to announce that the Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE) has named RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris the 2024 Crystal Honor Award recipient.
AISLE Executive Secretary Carolyn Kinsella explained that Monica was selected due to her strong advocacy of AISLE and school libraries. With Monica’s support, RAILS funded and championed essential data collection and analysis for Illinois school libraries. The result is the School Library Advocacy Through Education (SLATE) project, which aims to improve the state of school libraries in Illinois.
Monica also organizes monthly partnership meetings that bring together all types of libraries. These meetings foster collaboration on both day-to-day operations and special projects.
Kinsella said “[Monica] is thoughtful, insightful, and positive. Working with her helps everyone succeed.”
The award will be presented at a banquet during the 2024 AISLE Conference's Annual Awards Ceremony in Tinley Park on Friday, November 8.