Oak Forest High School library honored with IEL Exemplary School Library Award

Dr. Tina Ward, chair of the Association of Illinois School Library Educators’ recognition committee, presented the IEL Exemplary School Library Award to Oak Forest High School at the Bremen Community High School District 228 board meeting. Ward said the award recognizes school libraries that meet Illinois Linking for Learning standards, require at least one full‑time licensed school librarian and a dedicated district library budget, and must score at least 115 out of 128 points to be named exemplary.

Oak Forest’s nomination cited the work of library media specialists Amanda O’Rourke and Jennifer Shantz and written support from Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning Ryan Blackwell. Ward highlighted the library’s investment in student‑facing technology and programming, noting purchases such as green screens, podcasting recording equipment, Sphero robots and 3‑D printers as examples of how the library connects curriculum with student interests.

Representatives from Oak Forest thanked district leadership and the board for sustained support, and described the award as recognition of the broader school and community contributions to the program. Board members and the superintendent offered congratulations during the meeting.

The presentation is structural recognition rather than a funding decision: IEL’s standards require documented evidence submitted by the school and district and confer exemplary status for a three‑year period. Oak Forest’s award will be listed among IEL recipients and the district will continue routine reporting and oversight of library staffing and budget support.