April 13, 2005
2004 National Award for Museum and Library Service

Laura Bush recently presented two libraries with the 2004 National Award for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest award to libraries.

The Flint Public Library in Michigan was honored for its extensive children's collection, its bookmobile, and for its collaboration with foundations and community groups.

The Mayaguez Children's Library in Puerto Rico established the first Special Needs Center for visually impaired and physically challenged children in the Caribbean region. The private, nonprofit library, founded by community members, serves children and teens through programs that promote literacy and education.
Source:  SLJ.com  (Debra Lau Whelan - March 22, 2005)

April 13, 2005
Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner 

The Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin has presented Kevin Henkes, author and illustrator of Kitten's First Full Moon (Greenwillow) with the Charlotte Zolotow Award for outstanding writing in a picture book. The book is also a 2005 Caldecott Medal winner. The award is named for Charlotte Zolotow, former children's book editor at Harper Junior Books and author of more than 70 picture books.
Source:  School Library Journal (April, 2005)

April 13, 2005
University of Washington Honors Beverly Cleary

The University of Washington's Information School is offering the nation's first endowed professorship in children's librarianship. Named for the author of the popular Ramona series, The Beverly Cleary Endowed Professorship in Children's and Youth Services will offer training and continuing education to local librarians. Beverly Cleary is a graduate of the UW Information School. She says, "Kids deserve books of literary quality, and librarians are so important in encouraging them to read."
Source:  School Library Journal (April, 2005)