Cambridge to host ALSC Arbuthnot Lecturer Sendak

Contact: Meredith Parets


312-280-2166


mparets@ala.org

For Immediate Release


July 10, 2002

Cambridge to host ALSC Arbuthnot Lecturer Sendak

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is pleased to announce that Cambridge, Mass., has been chosen as the site of the 2003 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture. Beloved children's illustrator and author Maurice Sendak will deliver the lecture, which will be co-hosted by the Cambridge Public Library and Children's Literature New England, Inc. The date and time of the lecture have not yet been set.

"Together, the Cambridge Public Library and Children's Literature New England, Inc., represent institutions with local and national concerns and constituencies," said Gregory Maguire, co-director of Children's Literature New England.

"Sendak and the city of Cambridge make a perfect fit," said Susan M. Flannery, director of the Cambridge Public Library. "The city shares his deep and abiding concern for social justice and the unique travails of children. We witness daily the staccato rhythm of urban life, and the challenges faced by our society in its sincere attempts to make things right."

Endorsements of the application included supporting letters from Charles M. Vest, president, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Alan J. Stone, vice president for Government, Community and Public Affairs at Harvard University; Michael A. Sullivan, mayor of Cambridge; the PEN New England's Children's Book Caucus; and many other educational, cultural and social service organizations.

"Although we received many excellent applications, the one from Cambridge was outstanding," said Arbuthnot Chair Joanna Rudge Long. "The two organizations are particularly aware of Maurice Sendak's concerns and have unusually creative plans for outreach, not only within their own diverse community, but to all people who care about children and their books."

In addition to Long, the 2003 Arbuthnot Lecture Committee includes Karen Breen, Kirkus Reviews (N.Y.); Barbara Immroth, University of Texas at Austin; Janice Smuda, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library; and Michael Cart (Calif.)