School Library Association Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
The School Library Association (SLA) has announced the appointment of Victoria Dilly as its new Chief Executive Officer. With extensive experience in leading national education and training programmes in both the charity sector and schools, Dilly brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role.
Dilly has spent nearly 20 years working in the education sector, with the last seven years focused on developing national programmes for charitable organizations such as the National Literacy Trust, Speakers Trust, and the Royal Horticultural Society. Prior to her work in the charity sector, Dilly spent a decade as a school librarian.
The SLA, which has been in operation since 1937, is dedicated to supporting schools in developing their school libraries, establishing a reading culture, and promoting independent learning skills. The organization believes that reading for pleasure can have a profound impact on children’s lives and future prospects. Sadly, one in seven primary schools in the UK does not have a library, and this figure rises to one in four in the most disadvantaged communities. The SLA’s vision is for every school to have a staffed library that can support all children and young people in reaching their full potential.
In her new role, Dilly expressed her excitement at joining an organization with such a rich history of supporting school libraries and helping children discover the joy of reading. She looks forward to building on this legacy with fresh ideas and collaborating with members and colleagues in the sector to expand the organization’s reach and impact. Dilly also recognizes the importance of supporting school libraries in these financially challenging times, as children’s reading for pleasure is at an all-time low. She believes that the role of the school library is even more crucial in giving children the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Paul Register, Chair of SLA, expressed his confidence in Dilly’s appointment, stating that she was the best candidate for the CEO role. He described her as a rare find, with both experience working in school libraries and the business and charity sectors, as well as a strong passion, drive, and heart. Register is optimistic about the future of the SLA and its ability to serve and represent its members, as well as advocate for school libraries more broadly. He and the other SLA trustees are eager to begin working with Dilly and are excited about what the future holds for the organization in 2025.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Victoria Dilly, please contact Jo Campbell at publicity@sla.org.uk.
About the School Library Association:
The School Library Association (SLA) is a non-profit organization that supports schools in developing their school libraries, establishing a reading culture, and promoting independent learning skills. They provide resources and training to ensure that no child gets left behind on their reading journey. The SLA believes that school libraries are essential hubs of learning that provide children with valuable opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. They also believe that reading can develop a range of skills and that inquiry can build independent learning skills that are vital for lifelong self-sufficiency. The organization’s ultimate goal is for all schools to have a staffed library that can help all children and young people fulfill their potential. For more information, visit www.sla.org.uk.
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