About Our Founder

Courtney Walker

Founder and Principal Consultant

Courtney Walker is the founder and principal consultant of Libraries For All LLC and author of Supporting Students with Significant Disabilities in School Libraries: A Vision for Radical Inclusion (Bloomsbury LU, 2026), Adapted Book Library Collections: A Guide to Building Accessible Resources for Patrons with Disabilities (supported by a Carnegie Whitney Grant from the American Library Association) and the official educator and librarian guide for the book Hope Wins: A Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers (2023). During her time as a school librarian, she was named 2022 Plano ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, received the Marilyn Brooks Excellence in Teaching Award, and a State of Texas Resolution recognizing her excellence of work as a public school librarian. Courtney is known for her innovative adapted book library collections and her dedication to inclusivity for readers with disabilities in the library, with a particular emphasis on those with significant disabilities.

Professional Highlights

Creator of the first-ever Adapted Book Library Collection

Author, Supporting Students with Significant Disabilities in School Libraries: A Vision for Radical Inclusion (Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, 2026)

American Library Association Carnegie-Whitney Grant Recipient (2025)

Plano ISD District Elementary Teacher of the Year (2022)

Recipient of a State of Texas Resolution, Texas HR1251 for Excellence in Teaching (2023)

Steering Committee Member, North Texas Teen Book Festival

National Speaker and Presenter at ALA, TLA, SCBWI, NTTBF, and more

Former School Librarian and Language and Literacy Teacher

Featured by Penguin Random House
Common Reads, Plano Star Courier, and Lee & Low Books

Full Biography & Credentials

Publications & Media Features

Presentations

  • American Library Association Annual Conference 2025- “Adapting Library Services for Patrons with Significant Disabilities”
  • The North Texas Teen Book Festival ED Day 2025- “One School, One Book: Big Reads for Community Building”
  • Reynolds School District 2025- District-wide professional development for librarians on inclusive library programs and adapted books
  • SCBWI San Francisco North and East Bay Chapter 2024- “Adapting Your Book to Be Accessible to All Readers”
  • American Library Association Annual Conference 2024- “Inclusive Libraries for Students with Special Needs and Adapted Book Library Collections” with author, Brenda Maier
  • Texas Library Association Annual Conference 2024- “Creating Inclusive Libraries and Adapted Books” with author, Brenda Maier
  • Texas Library Association Annual Conference 2023- “Adapted Book Collections: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Libraries” with Special Education Team Leader, Zoya Twal

Awards, Leadership & Professional Involvement

  • Plano ISD Teacher of the Year
  • State of Texas Resolution – HR1251
  • Marilyn Brooks Excellence in Teaching Award
  • Steering Committee, North Texas Teen Book Festival
  • Raise Your Hand Texas Teacher Advocate
  • National PTA Lifetime Membership
  • Texans for the Right to Read
  • Texas Library Association Equity & Diversity Committee
  • Mentor and Leadership roles in Plano ISD
  • Sam Houston State Advisory Council and Alumni Ambassador

Education & Certifications

  • Master of Library Science – Sam Houston State University
  • B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Minors in English and Film Studies – Texas A&M University
  • Certifications: School Librarian EC–12, Generalist EC-6, English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8, and ESL Supplemental