ALSC invites host site applications for 2025 Children's Literature Lecture with Kyle Lukoff

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the 2025 Children’s Literature Lecture Committee are proud to announce the opening of the application to host the 2025 event featuring award-winning author Kyle Lukoff.

The Children’s Literature Lecture is an annual event, announced at the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards, in which an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature presents a paper that makes a significant contribution to the field. A library school, department of education in a college or university or a children’s library system may be considered to host. The lecture is administered by ALSC.
Host site application forms can be submitted on the 2025 Children’s Literature Lecture website. The application deadline is April 5, 2024. Information about host site responsibilities is included in the application materials. The lecture traditionally is held in April or early May, and the host site receives a $2,000 honorarium to assist with production expenses.

In January, Lukoff was selected by the Children’s Literature Lecture Committee to speak in 2025.

“Kyle’s impactful and approachable storytelling invites in all children through humor and warmth and often centers vital trans and queer narrative,” stated 2025 Children’s Literature Lecture Award Committee Chair Jenna Friebel. 

Lukoff is the author of the middle grade novel “Too Bright to See,” a 2022 Newbery Honor book, Stonewall Award winner, and a National Book Award finalist. He also wrote the Stonewall Award-winning picture book “When Aidan Became a Brother.” His first nonfiction work is “If You’re a Kid Like Gavin,” co-authored by trans activist Gavin Grimm. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Kyle was a bookseller and librarian.

Formerly known as the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, this lecture series originated in 1969 and has included notable presenters from various countries. Past lecturers have included Mary Ørvig, Leland B. Jacobs, Virginia Hamilton, Maurice Sendak, and Richard Jackson. The paper is delivered as a lecture each April or May and is subsequently archived in the ALA Institutional Repository.

About the Association for Library Service to Children

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is driven by almost 4,000 members dedicated to the support and enrichment of library service to children. Our members include youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty. ALSC supports its members in engaging communities to build healthy, successful futures for all children. To learn more about ALSC and how to join, please visit our website at www.ala.org/alsc.