New York Black Librarians Caucus

President’s Message

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Ladies and gentlemen, I greet you with great enthusiasm and confidence. I assume the role of President, with questions lingering from our past President about the future of the New York Black Librarians’ Caucus. I am determined to work diligently to erase any doubts about the future of this organization. With your support, my goal is to work as a team and continue to accomplish the mission of the Caucus.

In order to advance, first we all need to be fearless and have an approach without skepticism. It is necessary to be proactive and invigorated to stand together and work to recruit new members, create a mentorship program, revitalize training and technology workshops, and co-sponsor library related programs. It is also important to undertake more of a leadership role at conferences, as well as work with organizations outside of libraries to expand our knowledge. In addition, it is time for NYBLC to provide community outreach locally and internationally. Considering the aftermath of the earthquake which took place in Haiti, NYBLC can use this opportunity to embark on its international “Community Outreach” and assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

This year I hope to see more members who are eager to work with the various committees, and I encourage you to continue to share new ideas for the improvement of the New York Black Librarians’ Caucus. I strongly believe if the Caucus takes this positive approach, we can become a visible library association. Today, I challenge everyone who has a genuine interest in the success of the organization, to be of action instead of simply sitting in the audience. Let’s stand together and work to improve and expand this organization. Always remember, “A house that is divided can not stand”.

Margaret J. Gibson

NYBLC Member Anthony Loum of Brooklyn Public Library Continues to Shine

Loum of Brooklyn Public Library wins 2010 Zora Neale Hurston Award

BOSTON—Anthony Loum of the Brooklyn Public Library has been selected as the 2010 winner of the Zora Neale Hurston Award.

Loum was selected for his work in planning and ensuring the quality of programs delivered by the Brooklyn Public Library in the 2009 Big Read for which Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” was the chosen book. Loum coordinated with key partners for the use of performance spaces, performers and the materials used and donated for the book discussions, screenings and craft workshops. These programs, which were innovative and targeted a variety of age groups, took place at locations across the city. The programs and events introduced Hurston to a new audience of readers and provided professional development workshops to support the continued reading of Hurston’s works in city schools.

The Zora Neale Hurston Award, which is administered by the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), recognizes a RUSA member’s significant efforts to promote African American writers and African American literature in their libraries. Through the generous sponsorship of HarperCollins, the award enables the winner to further their professional development so that they can continue to build multicultural collections and serve diverse populations.

Loum was selected by the 2010 Zora Neale Hurston Award Committee, which includes Chairperson Bergis Jules, Deborah Costa, Charlene Rue, Lucy Lockley and John Lawrence.

The Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers advisory and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Not a member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, preconferences and other events? Join, renew or add RUSA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership. Learn more about the association at www.ala.org/rusa.

Original press release can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/hurston_rusa.cfm

Upcoming General Meeting – 1/23/10

We will meet on Saturday, January 23rd at the New York Public Library, Harlem Branch, 2^nd Floor, at 11 a.m. Hope to see you all there! And if you know of someone in your workplace that may be new to us, or not new to us, bring them along, as well! Please bring refreshments to share with the group.

Directions to Library:

#2 or #3 train to Broadway/Seventh Ave. express to 125th Street. Walk south one block and east two blocks.

Look forward to meeting with you that day.

Upcoming General Meeting – 11/21/09

Saturday, November 21st at Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, room 214, at 11 a.m. Hope to see you all there! And if you know of someone in your workplace that may be new to us, or not new to us, bring them along as well! Your attendance is imperative, as we will be electing several key positions.

Directions to Library:

#2 or #3 train to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum stop. Come to street level, and walk past the Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The library is at the corner of Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue. The B41 bus stops in front of the library.