April 23, 2015Uncategorized

United for Libraries to dedicate five Literary Landmarks™ for Children’s Book Week

The following five Literary Landmarks will be dedicated during Children’s Book Week:

• Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, Galesburg, Illinois: Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and biographer, was born and raised in Galesburg. His book Rootabaga Stories was written for his three daughters, and The American Songbag is a collection of American folk tunes that are still taught today. Partners: Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian; Illinois State Library; Illinois Center for the Book. To be dedicated April 25, 2015

• Westerly Public Library, Westerly, Rhode Island: Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952) was the author of beloved children’s books, including Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. The Westerly Public Library is home to a near-complete set of her published works, personal papers, manuscripts and books. Partners: Friends of the Memorial and Library Association, Rhode Island Center for the Book at Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, HarperCollins. To be dedicated May 2, 2015.

• Norman Public Library, Norman, Oklahoma: Harold Keith (1903-1998) was born in Oklahoma’s Cherokee Outlet. He was the author of several sports histories and historical novels for young readers, including the Newbery Award-winning Rifles for Watie. Partners: Pioneer Library System, Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma, Libraries United, University of Oklahoma Athletic Department, Oklahoma Center for the Book, Friends of the Norman Library, Norman Arts Council. To be dedicated May 3, 2015.

• George Bruce Branch, New York Public Library, New York, NY: Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014) spent his childhood in Harlem playing basketball and visiting this branch of the New York Public Library. He went on to become an acclaimed author setting many of his books, including Harlem, Monster, 145th Street and Here in Harlem, in the neighborhood. Myers was also a dedicated champion of literacy and diversity, serving as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (2012-13). Partners: Empire State Center for the Book, HarperCollins Publishers, Holiday House, Random House Children’s Books, Scholastic. To be dedicated May 4, 2015.

• Hamilton Lane Library, Hamilton, Ohio: Growing up, Robert McCloskey (1914-2003) was a frequent patron of the Hamilton library. His first book, Lentil, featured several scenes in Hamilton, including one at the library. Partners: Heritage, The Lane Libraries, Ohio Educational Library Media Association, Penguin Young Readers (Viking). To be dedicated May 9, 2015.

The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. More than 140 Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated since the program began in 1986. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries. More information is available on the United for Libraries website.

Empire State Center for the Book – is the New York State affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book that promotes literature, literacy and libraries in the state.