High school library named best in state

The Fox Chapel Area High School library has been named the 2025 Outstanding Pennsylvania School Library. The award is given by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA).

According to Fox Chapel Area High School librarian, Dr. Laura Ward, each year, only one school library receives this prestigious recognition. “What makes me the most excited about this award is the idea that others see how great our library is.  I’ve always known the library is the heart of our school, but now everyone can see just how wonderful it is,” Dr. Ward says.

The recognition is being given to the Fox Chapel Area High School library because it exceeds the criteria with regard to the six foundations that are part of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards. Those standards are that school libraries are places where students are able to inquire, include, collaborate, curate, explore and engage.

“It’s fantastic to see how our school library exceeds at incorporating the standards into everything that we do,” Dr. Ward says. “From collaborating with classroom teachers to engaging and connecting with not just the students, but also our community, our library is making a difference in students’ lives.”

PSLA President Sarah DeMaria said in a letter to Dr. Ward, “The Fox Chapel Area High School library is an exemplary school library as evident in the programming, community outreach, and daily interactions you have with students and staff.”

Mrs. DeMaria cited the Shelf Care Club as just one example of how the Fox Chapel Area High School library impacts students each day. The club was started by Dr. Ward and school counselor Rachel Machen, and is centered around self-care, but through books.

“The Shelf Care Club is a way for students to practice self-care by reading and discussing books that focus on many mental health topics relevant to young adults today,” Dr. Ward says. “We read about challenging topics that provoke deep discussion and we look at how the characters handle different situations and how everyone in our discussion group relates to those characters.”