Thursday, February 6, 2014

A Gathering of Librarians



As January drew to a close, over 12,000 librarians, library staff, administrators and professionals from all walks of life gathered in the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the 2014 American Library Association Midwinter Meeting.  I was fortunate to be among those in attendance at the four day meeting.  Attendees braved frigid temperatures and snow squalls as they made their way to the Convention Center, which covers four city blocks in the heart of Philadelphia.  The networking, professional development, lectures, author panels, camaraderie and free books made the atmosphere inside the Convention Center warm and energized. 

Never was this more apparent than on Monday morning as attendees gathered for the American Library Association’s version of the Oscars, the annual Youth Media Awards, honoring “books, videos and other outstanding materials for children and teens.”  The Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature went to Flora & Ulysses: the illuminated adventures by Kate DiCamillo and the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book for children went to Locomotive by Brian Floca.  The Michael L. Printz award for excellence in literature for young adults went to Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick.  All these titles are available at the Ridgefield Library.  Come check them out!

Contributed by Children's Librarian Mary Beth Rassulo

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