A MESSAGE FROM RAMAN DEEP, THE ISLM CHAIRPERSON 

Dear Librarians, Teachers, School Leaders, and Young Readers,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to International School Library Month (ISLM) 2026 and to another year of shared learning, creativity, reading, and international connection through school libraries.

The International Bookmark Exchange Project has become one of the most cherished traditions of ISLM. While the idea is simple—students create bookmarks and exchange them with students from another school or country—the learning that emerges from this exchange reaches far beyond the bookmark itself.

Every bookmark carries something personal: a story, an idea, a favourite book, a cultural reference, a creative expression, or simply a message of friendship. When that bookmark travels across geographical and cultural boundaries and reaches another young reader, it becomes a small but meaningful bridge between two communities.

In today's interconnected world, school libraries have an increasingly important role in creating spaces where young people can read widely, think critically, communicate thoughtfully, appreciate diverse perspectives, and learn with others. The Bookmark Exchange offers students an authentic opportunity to experience these values through a simple, creative, and purposeful activity.

For ISLM 2026, I encourage participating schools to look beyond the exchange of an object and focus on the exchange of ideas, stories, cultures, and perspectives. Encourage students to learn something about their partner school, its community, books, traditions, and everyday life. Give them opportunities to ask questions, share their own experiences, and discover what connects them with young readers elsewhere in the world.

At the same time, international collaboration requires responsibility. Every registration represents a commitment to another school and, most importantly, to the students who will invest their time, creativity, and enthusiasm. I therefore request every participating school to communicate clearly with its partner, honour agreed timelines, and treat every student's contribution with care and respect.

ISLM and IASL: A Shared International Community

International School Library Month is an initiative of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL). ISLM provides an international platform for schools and school libraries to celebrate their work, promote reading and learning, strengthen professional connections, and highlight the importance of school libraries.

The connection between ISLM and IASL is integral to the identity and purpose of ISLM. ISLM brings the celebration into schools and communities around the world, while IASL provides the broader international professional community through which school librarians and educators can connect, exchange ideas, develop professionally, and advocate for school libraries.

Participation in ISLM is open to both IASL members and non-members. At the same time, librarians and educators who value international collaboration and the development of school librarianship are warmly encouraged to explore IASL membership and become part of this global professional community. This is also reflected in IASL's published objectives for ISLM.

I invite you not only to celebrate ISLM, but also to discover IASL—its professional community, publications, networks, Special Interest Groups, conferences, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Join IASL today:

https://iasl-online.wildapricot.org/application.html 

Stronger Together: Join the Global Voice Championing School Libraries Worldwide

Since 1971, IASL has welcomed new members from around the world—school librarians, educators, and advocates who share a commitment to advancing literacy and ensuring equitable access to information for every student, everywhere.

Now is the perfect time to add your voice.

By joining the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), you become part of a worldwide network dedicated to strengthening school libraries and supporting the professionals who make them thrive. Membership provides opportunities to:

• Connect and collaborate with school library professionals around the world

• Access valuable professional resources and learning opportunities

• Exchange ideas, research, and best practices with an international community

• Advocate for the important role of school libraries in education

• Help shape the future of school librarianship worldwide

We are stronger when we work together—and your voice matters.

As we begin ISLM 2026, let us make the International Bookmark Exchange a meaningful learning journey—one that celebrates books, creativity, cultural understanding, friendship, and the enduring power of school libraries to connect young people across borders.

I warmly invite your school to participate, share your experiences, and help us make ISLM 2026 a truly international celebration of school libraries.

With warm regards,

Raman Deep
Chairperson, International School Library Month (ISLM)