Sablatura Middle School is thrilled to announce it has been awarded the coveted Branding Iron Award from the Texas Library Association (TLA). This prestigious recognition celebrates the school’s innovative “Adopt A Shelf” program, which has significantly impacted student engagement and library circulation.
Under the leadership of librarian Rachael Welsh, the “Adopt A Shelf” program has been honored in the School Library Reading Program category for its creative marketing and public relations initiatives. This unique program empowers students to take ownership of their library space by applying to create personalized library displays.
Students participating in the “Adopt A Shelf” program are given the creative freedom to select a theme, design a captivating display sign, and curate books from the library’s collection. This hands-on approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and pride among the students creating the displays but also generates excitement and interest among their peers, leading to increased book checkouts.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Branding Iron Award from the Texas Library Association,” said Rachael Welsh, librarian at Sablatura Middle School. “The ‘Adopt A Shelf’ program has been a tremendous success, not only in boosting our circulation numbers but also in empowering our students to become active participants in their library community. It’s truly rewarding to see their creativity flourish and their passion for reading grow.”
The Branding Iron Award recognizes outstanding efforts in library marketing and public relations, highlighting programs that effectively connect libraries with their communities. Sablatura Middle School’s “Adopt A Shelf” program exemplifies this spirit, showcasing the power of student-driven initiatives in promoting literacy and library usage.
