Host Applications Open for 2027 Children's Literature Lecture Featuring Kwame Alexander

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and its 2027 Children’s Literature Lecture Committee are proud to announce the opening of the application process to host the 2027 event featuring award-winning author Kwame Alexander. The committee's selection of Alexander as 2027 lecturer was announced at the 2026 Youth Media Awards announcements in Chicago in January.

The Children’s Literature Lecture Award, administered by ALSC, is presented annually. The lecturer may be an author, illustrator, editor, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature, of any country, who shall prepare a paper considered to be a significant contribution to the field of children’s literature. Formerly known as the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, this lecture series originated in 1969 and has included notable authors, critics, librarians, historians and teachers of children’s literature from various countries. Past lecturers include Mary Ørvig, Leland B. Jacobs, Virginia Hamilton, Maurice Sendak and Richard Jackson.

“Kwame Alexander is a skilled author who uses distinct poetic forms to tell stories about complex social topics, while also encouraging children to write and publish their own stories,” stated 2027 Children’s Literature Lecture Award Committee Chair Sue McCleaf Nespeca. “Institutions may apply for the unique opportunity to host this well-known writer of poetry and fiction for children.”

Alexander is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 44 books, including the Newbery Medal winner "The Crossover" and the Caldecott Medal winner "The Undefeated," illustrated by Kadir Nelson. A strong supporter of libraries, Alexander has been instrumental in building libraries and partnering with the Little Free Library organization. He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books and writing around the world at book festivals and global literacy symposiums. His mission in life is “to change the world, one word at a time.”

Host site applications can be submitted using the 2027 Children’s Literature Lecture webform. The application deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2026. Prospective hosts are asked to review the following resources prior to applying: "Responsibilities of the Host Institution" (Appendix D) and "Checklist for the Host Institution" (Appendix E), available in the Children's Literature Lecture Award Committee Manual. The lecture is traditionally held in April or early May, and the host site receives a $2,000 honorarium to assist with production expenses.

ALSC, a division of 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 all children through libraries. To learn more, visit www.ala.org/alsc.