It has been a great ALA Annual Conference and it did not disappoint. The Carnegie Awards were held at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts The winners gave inspiring acceptance speeches that touched on the world today and how librarians are valued and needed.
The Newbery/Caldecott/Legacy ceremony was really the high point of the conference for me personally.
The ballroom was beautifully decorated and attendees were just as beautiful! It was very exciting to see the authors and illustrators in the green room for pictures and meet & greets! How inspiring to see so many young people taking on the mantle of creating books for children to learn more about the world and those who live in it.
Seeing these wonderful illustrators and authors was a balm to my soul! I’m so proud of the work that we did as part of the Caldecott committee that I would recommend that anyone who is interested sign up for it. So many of the audience members were moved to tears and laughter with the speeches provided by our wonderful winners!
(Above images from the Carnegie Awards 2025 and Newbery/Caldecott/Legacy Banquet 2025 taken by Patty Ramirez)
Both events proved to be both inspiring and thought provoking as both librarians and libraries are facing many challenges. ALSC and ALA are on the front lines trying to keep the doors open and library funds coming to all.
Patty Gonzales Ramirez (she/her/hers) is the Retired Public Services Manager with the Dallas Public library and a beginner podcaster. She is most looking forward to the Newbery-Caldecott-Legacy Banquet. As a 2025 Caldecott committee member she plans to reconnect some great friendships! Patty has always wanted to be a librarian and has been able to live that dream! Her favorite book has consistently been “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee; it is very reminiscent of her childhood in the Jim Crow South. As a new and learning podcaster, she hopes to share her love of books and library experiences.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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