I have learned not to be late for things. It’s taken nearly all of my 46 years, still, I have learned. But on Sunday, I arrived at the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast after everyone had been seated (and breakfast was already being served). Oops. I recalled my father’s childhood confidence-building advice to “act like you own the place” and walked down the center aisle to the front of the room, looking for a seat. I spotted the beloved Mychal Threets sitting at a table with three empty seats, and asked the group if I could sit. Wouldn’t you know, I had also joined outgoing ALSC President Rob Bittner, newly elected Vice-President/President Elect Ariana Hussain, and ALSC Awards Coordinator Ana Cackley. I had been emailing both Rob and Ana–Rob about committee work and Ana about the Penguin Random House Young Readers Group Award that I received to attend my…
Author: Alicia Rogers
Honored: The John Cotton Dana Library PR Awards #alaac25
On Saturday evening, library public relations specialists from eight institutions across the United States and Canada were bestowed with ALA’s most prestigious marketing recognition: the 2025 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award. My library, the Worcester Public Library (WPL)–specifically its marketing and communications pro, Linnea Sheldon–was among the awardees. I write with soaring pride, yes, but also with a desire to inspire institutions of all sizes to take a fun, even silly, idea and make a lasting community impact. We did it with a marketing team of one who garnered staff-wide support and a $0 budget! In March 2024, WPL launched “March Meowness,” a month-long fee forgiveness campaign where patrons could show a picture of a cat—a personal pet, internet meme, drawing, or any other animal picture—to have their lost or damaged book fees waived. The idea stemmed from the library’s New Users Task Force, which recognized the need…
No Tech? No Problem: Poetry as Makerspace #alaac25
If you’re anything like me, you are or have been intimidated by one or the other, or maybe even both: understanding poetry and using makerspaces. On Saturday, a panel of presenters–all picture book writers, poets, and educators–encouraged a room full of public librarians and school library teachers to work with lyrical picture books, novels in verse, and exploratory word play activities in their spaces to foster community connection through (drumroll, please!) poetry.
A Sweet Morning and Rewarding Reception at #alaac2025
My breakfast today was DELICIOUS (shakshuka! fritatta! ricotta pancakes with lemon curd!). What was and even sweeter treat: I ate alongside beloved and distinguished picture book authors and illustrators whose visions were brought to life by the publishing professionals who gathered us there. I learned that stories like prolific author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Frank Morrison’s upcoming Family Feast make its author think about what to do with all of the from-scratch recipes she’s collected over the years. And, if Jerry Pinkney were an animal, he’d be an elephant–at least according to his son, illustrator Brian Pinkney, who took Jerry’s tiny dummy book of draft illustrations for The Littlest Drop and completed the project following his death. (Can you see the print on Brian’s shirt? Look closely. Elephants!) (Images taken by A. Rogers at the Random House Children’s Books Picture Book Breakfast.) I was introduced to these creators’ works…
We Are All Each Other’s People: First Impressions at #alaac25
Arrival I stepped off the train in Philadelphia and, within minutes, I saw you. Bespectacled, rocking colorful hair, carrying a tote bag, or wearing comfortable shoes, I saw you. Librarians. My people. As I waited to check in to my hotel, the conference attendee ahead of me recalled a feeling of belonging having arrived early to registration with dozens of other excited,, very punctual people. His people. Then there was the collective cheer as the doors to the Exhibit Hall opened the Library Marketplace at exactly 5:30 pm. We are all each other’s people. The Library Marketplace This is my first time attending ALA Annual. I arrived too late in the day to attend any sessions, but got my steps in walking–eyes peeled–up and down the aisles of the Exhibit Hall. The Library Marketplace features exhibitors and vendors, live stages, and book signings. I walked by (and recognized, thanks to…