Amanda Chacon, librarian of H. M. Carroll Elementary in Houston, TX, is the 2024 School Librarian of the Year.

Chacon considers the library to be a place that bridges the gap between school and home. With that in mind, she keeps her focus on building community in all that she does, from diversifying her library’s collection to makerspace activities, spearheading STEM initiatives, and introducing a range of new programming for both students and parents.

[READ: Amanda Chacon: Community Champion | 2024 School Librarian of the Year]

The annual award, presented by SLJ and sponsored by Scholastic, recognizes the outstanding work of K–12 library professionals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional use of technology and print materials to not only successfully engage students in learning but also spark new ideas within their school and community.

In addition to Chacon, two finalists were named: Tamara Cox, librarian at Wren High School, Piedmont, SC; and Jessie Storrs, teacher librarian at El Centro Jr/Sr High School, Sacramento (CA) Youth Detention Facility.

[READ: Tamara Cox: A Leader for All | 2024 School Librarian of the Year Finalist]
[READ: Jessie Storrs: Serving “Just Kids” | 2024 School Librarian of the Year Finalist]

“At SLJ, we look forward to honoring exemplary educators with the School Librarian of the Year Award, who roll up their sleeves and tackle the crucially important work each day of instilling a love of learning and literacy in the next generation,” Kathy Ishizuka, SLJ's editor in chief said in the announcement. “Amanda Chacon, Jessie Storrs, and Tamara Cox are shining examples of the type of strong leadership and creativity needed in school libraries these days to engage kids of all ages in their classrooms and communities.”

This year’s submissions were judged by 2023 School Librarian of the Year Julie Stivers, D.C. Public Schools director of library programs Kevin M. Washburn, a Scholastic representative, and SLJ editors.