Excerpt from an email I recently received from a librarian. I know I’m not alone in being there.
For a project I’m working on, I’m looking for recent stories from librarians and educators about ways that authors have shown active, meaningful support for you and the work you do at a time when a noisy few in our states and communities and on social media loudly express the opposite.
I’m talking about efforts that go beyond making books that readers love, which — after all — is our job. In the past year or so, what has an author done that has stood out, that has given you a lift, and that has made a difference?
If you have a story to share, please feel free to send it to me privately, or you can post it in the comments below. I hope that lots of you have lots to say.
So many authors have reached out to me that I don’t even know where to start! Erin Entrada Kelly created a video about censorship for our website Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship. I have received dozens of messages of support from authors, and many have either donated to my GoFundMe, or retweeted it, to help court costs associated with my battle in Louisiana. There’s so many that I’m afraid to list them in case I leave someone out.
Thank you for that, Amanda! I may have some more questions for you.
In October of last year we invited Don Tate to do events which included local schools and also an appearance and booksigning at Dunbar Historical Library which served the African American Community during segregation.
Last April, Suzanne Bloom came to San Angelo and did various programs with all ages, including an outdoor hour long event featuring her story walk of Feeding Friendzies in a city park and also, a book signing at the Dunbar Library.
PRESENCE is most important—and both Don and Suzanne left lasting impressions because of who they are. As illustrators, both Don and Suzanne connected with children, parents and teachers with endless “quick drawings” and one on one time when possible.
Providing our community with opportunities to meet children’s authors who so willingly and lovingly present their art and writings has been a blessing through my last 32 years at the library.