Santa Monica |
News | Special Reports | Archive | Links | About | Editor | Send PR |
Local Librarians Named to Prestigious Awards Committees
|
|
||||||||||
By Lookout Staff January 24, 2025 -- The American Library Association (ALA) has selected two Santa Monica librarians to help judge the most distinguished books for youth published last year. Youth Services Librarian Ingha Chopra and Teen Services Librarian Gia Ruiz-Forsyth have been appointed to the ALA's award selection committees that will choose the winners of the Youth Media Awards. The awards, which will be announced January 27, include the prestigious John Newbery Medal that has been awarded annually since 1922 to the most distinguished American children’s book. Also awarded will be the Michael L. Printz Award, which recognizes the best book written for teens based on literary merit. Chopra is one of 15 members on the Newbery Award Selection Committee, while Ruiz-Forsyth is one of nine members on the Printz Award Selection Committee. “We are incredibly proud of Ingha and Gia for being selected to serve on these prestigious committees,” said Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan. “Their expertise and dedication to youth and teen literature are a testament to the exceptional caliber of our staff. "This recognition not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the library’s commitment to fostering a love of reading in our community,” Cuyugan said. Named after 18th-century English bookseller John Newbery, the Newbery Award "was proposed to highlight the value of children’s literature and recognize its creative contributions alongside poetry, plays and novels." “Being selected for the Newbery Committee is an incredible honor,” Chopra said. “It has been exciting to dive into the exceptional stories being created for children and help recognize works that will leave a lasting impact on young readers.” The Printz Award was named after Michael L. Printz, a Kansas school librarian with a passion for young adult literature. “It’s an incredible opportunity to spotlight works that resonate deeply with teen readers,” said Ruiz-Forsyth. “The Printz Award represents the highest standard in young adult literature, and I’m thrilled to have been part of this process.” |
![]() |
©1999-2025 surfsantamonica.com. All Rights Reserved. | About | Disclosures |