2001 Grolier Foundation Award recipient named

Contact: Cheryl Malden


312-280-3247


cmalden@ala.org

ALA News Release


For Immediate Release


May 2001

2001 Grolier Foundation Award recipient named

Julie Cummins, editor in chief of
School Library Journal, and American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board member, is the 2001 recipient of the ALA Grolier Foundation Award.

The $1,000 award and citation donated by the Grolier Publishing Company, is presented to a librarian whose "unusual contribution to the stimulation and guidance of reading by children and young people" exemplifies outstanding achievement in the profession.

Cummins was chosen for her sustained forward-looking leadership in advancing library services to children. She is an author, storyteller, spokesperson, library educator and mentor. In addition to her leadership roles in the management of children's library services, Cummins has made substantative contributions to library literature and research. She has published articles in professional journals that have discussed children's films and books, management of library youth services and the influence of children's librarians on the field of publishing.

"Cummins was selected for her contribution to the literature of librarianship, her expertise and critical influence on books for children and the depth and breadth of her professional involvement in the local, state, national and international arenas," Award Chair Mary Summerville said.

She was president of the New York Library Association and has won numerous awards, including the ALA Beta Phi Mu Award.

Cummins has a bachelor's degree from Mount Union College and a master's in library science from Syracuse University.

The Grolier Award will be presented Tuesday, June 19, at the ALA Annual Conference in San Francisco.