In this session, Marianne will share three advocacy initiatives that highlight the power of the school library to connect, inspire, and lead. She will explore how programs designed for preschool-aged children and their families can foster a love of reading from the earliest years, how amplifying student voice through podcast projects can build confidence and creativity, and how building a professional network of Teacher Librarians can strengthen advocacy across a school directorate. These examples demonstrate how small ideas can grow into sustainable programs, and how they can be adapted to suit a variety of school contexts. Participants will leave with practical strategies and inspiration for creating initiatives that engage students, families, and colleagues while raising the profile of school libraries within the wider community.
Marianne Grasso, Teacher Librarian, Thirlmere Public School
Marianne Grasso has been an educator for twenty-three years, teaching across both Sydney Catholic Schools and the NSW Department of Education, and has been a qualified Teacher Librarian for over ten years . She was honoured as the 2025 ASLA Library Advocate of the Year in recognition of her commitment to promoting the vital role of school libraries. Marianne is deeply passionate about library advocacy and works tirelessly to ensure her library is a safe and welcoming space where students can read, create, and collaborate. She is dedicated to fostering a strong culture of engagement, extending beyond the classroom to actively involve students, parents, and the wider community in meaningful library initiatives. Through her leadership and innovative programs, Marianne continues to champion the library as the heart of the school.
