Cynthia K. Richey named 2013 ALSC Distinguished Service Award recipient

CHICAGO  - Cynthia K. Richey was named the 2013 recipient of the Association for Library Service to Children’s (ALSC) Distinguished Service Award, honoring an individual who has made significant contributions to library service to children and to ALSC.

She began her career as children’s librarian in 1971 and for the past 17 years has served as director of the Mt. Lebanon Public Library in Pennsylvania.  She has been a role model and mentor to many over the years.  ALSC, libraries, children and their families have significantly benefited from her exemplary practical and visionary leadership and knowledge of both children and children’s literature.  

Richey was 1994 president of the Pennsylvania Library Association and was on the board of directors of the Allegheny County Library Association. In 2006, she won the New York Times Librarian Award.  She is a frequent speaker and spokesperson for libraries in print and broadcast media throughout her state and the country. She is also chair of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development, as well as an Honorary Life Member of the Pennsylvania PTA.

She has been an active member of ALSC and ALA throughout her career. In addition to serving as ALSC President (2003-2004) and on ALA Council, she has served on numerous committees and as a priority group consultant. “I am deeply honored to be admitted to this distinguished group of colleagues who share a passion for the profession and an abiding commitment to the very best library service to children and their families. I absolutely love my service for ALSC and libraries and librarians everywhere. It is the most rewarding career,” said Richey.

“Cynthia has been active on the local, state and national levels, taking on more responsibility as she progressed to leadership levels,” said Distinguished Service Award Committee Chair Carol Doll.  “Her contributions to children and to ALSC are far reaching and long lasting in developing literacy in children and in moving ALSC forward in a positive, helpful way that brings out the best in all of us.”

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 4,000 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 ALSC’s website at www.ala.org/alsc.

The 2013 ALSC Distinguished Service Award Committee includes: Chair Carol A. Doll, Old Dominion University, Darden College of Education, Norfolk, Va.; Margaret A. Bush, Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College, Boston; Sharon Haupt, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Dr. Barbara F. Immroth, University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.