aSLA school libary advocate award |
2026 winner - Ela Sircelj, Loreto Kirribilli, NSW |
This national award recognises a dedicated individual who advocates for their school library and has made a positive contribution to their school community and beyond. Ela was presented with her award by the President of ASLA, Martha Itcovitz, in a ceremony on June 5, 2026. Ela was recognised for her outstanding advocacy for reading and literacy, both within and beyond her school. Her creativity and enthusiasm manifests itself not only in the creation of a warm, welcoming library space, but in innovative programs that engage students, parents and the school community in authentic literacy and learning journeys. Read Ela's acceptance speech below: |
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"It is an absolute honour and privilege to even be nominated for this award by Dr Kay Oddone, and to receive this prestigious national recognition is truly the highlight of my professional career here in Australia. It also brings me back to my education and beginnings in Poland, reminding me how connected and supportive the international library community really is. Thank you to the ASLA Board for this incredible honour, and to my wonderful school Loreto Kirribilli for its ongoing support. To my current and previous principals, Dr Nicole Archard and Anna Dickinson, thank you for always championing the library and the work we do. To the many amazing library teams I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years - many of whom are now close friends - thank you for mentoring me (especially Lee FitzGerald, Maggie Swan and Judi Hurst) shaping me professionally, and joining me in so many exciting (and sometimes slightly crazy!) initiatives. This truly feels like our award. To all fellow librarians doing incredible things in your school libraries: even when it feels like nobody is noticing, someone always is. And finally, to my family: husband and two daughters - thank you for lovingly embracing life with “the librarian,” for surviving the endless book talks, library adventures, and overflowing bookshelves, and most importantly for being the steady support behind every chapter of this journey."
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