The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA) will host Rita Williams-Garcia on April 17 for the 2024 Children’s Literature Lecture

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is pleased to announce that the 2024 Children’s Literature Lecture, featuring Rita Williams-Garcia, will be hosted by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

“The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has always been an innovative, cutting-edge leader among libraries in their recognition of children’s services and their commitment to connecting children with the magic of reading and books,” said 2024 Children’s Literature Lecture Committee chair Debra S. Gold.  “The library’s awareness of this eminent need has resulted in strong partnerships between area organizations and schools that will support dynamic programming connected to Rita’s lectureship throughout Pittsburgh.” 

“CLP is thrilled to welcome the Children's Literature Lecture to Pittsburgh, home of the first storytime and first training school for children’s librarians in the country,” said Andrew Medlar, President & Director at Carnegie Public Library. “Along with our partners the Allegheny County Library Association, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, United Black Book Clubs, and University of Pittsburgh we thank ALSC for the opportunity to bring this prestigious and fun event to our community and are excited to welcome everyone and be inspired by the words of the amazing Rita Williams-Garcia.”

ALSC originally established the lecture series in 1969 as the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award with sponsorship from Scott, Foresman and Company. The lecture was named for May Hill Arbuthnot because of her significant contributions to the field of children’s literature. The award was renamed as the Children's Literature Lecture by the ALSC Board of Directors in January 2020. The purpose of the award remains the same: a lecture series that celebrates scholarship and critical thinking about literature for children, which are ever-evolving. The new award name expands upon Arbuthnot’s professional legacy and celebrates the many voices and perspectives that all lecturers bring to this Award. In her own words, Arbuthnot was thrilled at the prospect of this award providing a forum for "new voices speak[ing] with new insight and new emphasis in the field of children's literature." Essentially, the Children's Literature Lecture Award centers on the distinction of its recipients, whose diverse voices and perspectives are necessary to broaden our understanding of and appreciation for children’s literature. 

Members of the 2024 Children's Literature Lecture Award Committee are: Chair Debra S. Gold; Christine Chai, Los Angeles Public Library; Elissa R. Gershowitz, The Horn Book; Angela C. Moffett, Children’s Fairyland; Nicole Powell, Berkley Public Library.

About the Association of Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the ALA, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC visit www.ala.org/alsc.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.