ALSC invites applications for 2019 Arbuthnot Lecture with Dr. Debbie Reese

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the 2019 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture Committee are proud to announce the opening of the application to host the 2019 event featuring scholar, blogger, and advocate for indigenous peoples Debbie Reese.

The Arbuthnot Lecture is an annual event, announced at the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting, 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. The lecture is administered by ALSC. Host site application forms can be downloaded at http://www.ala.org/alsc/2019-arbuthnot-honor-lecture. Applications are due May 15, 2018. Information about host site responsibilities is included in the application materials. The lecture traditionally is held in April or early May.

In February, Debbie Reese, who has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, was selected by the Arbuthnot Lecture Committee to speak in 2019. “Our selection of Dr. Reese recognizes her strong modeling of inclusion, integrity, and respect (ALSC Core Values) via the timely insights and careful analyses of how indigenous peoples are portrayed in children's and young adult books, the school curriculum, popular culture, and society at large. Reese’s influential blog, American Indians in Children’s Literature, founded in 2006, has become an invaluable and essential resource for librarians, writers, illustrators, educators, scholars, and the publishing industry at large.” stated 2019 Arbuthnot Committee Chair Barbara A. Genco.

Reese is a longtime advocate for Native representation and is a former teacher and university professor. She earned her doctorate from the University of Illinois, where she also helped establish the Native American House and American Indian Studies program. She also has an MLIS degree from San Jose State University. She is tribally enrolled at Nambe Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico.

ALSC established this lecture series in 1969, with sponsorship from Scott, Foresman and Company (now Pearson Scott Foresman) in honor of author May Hill Arbuthnot. The lectureship, now funded by the ALSC May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Endowment, has the distinction of featuring many notable authors, critics, librarians, historians, and teachers of children’s literature from various countries. Past lecturers over the decades have included Mary Ørvig, Leland B. Jacobs, Virginia Hamilton, Maurice Sendak, Richard Jackson, and Jacqueline Woodson. Writer and poet Naomi Shihab Nye will deliver the 2018 Arbuthnot Honor Lecture on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Western Washington University Performing Arts Center in Bellingham, WA.

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is driven by more than 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.