Caroline Kennedy, in her keynote speech at the recent Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times “I Love My Librarian” Award ceremony in New York City, saluted librarians for their courage, dedication and vision.
The event, which was part of the Carnegie Corporation’s Centennial Celebration, honored ten librarians who were recognized for service to their communities, schools and campuses. More than 1,700 library patrons nationwide nominated a librarian. Among the librarians honored this year were Jennifer O. Keohane, of the Simsbury, CT, Public Library, and Michelle Luhtala, of the New Canaan, CT, High School Library.
The program is administered by American Library Association’s Campaign for America’s Libraries.
During her remarks, which can be read in full at atyourlibrary.org, Kennedy said the nominations received across the country show the critical role libraries play in shaping our democracy.
She said, “Librarians are once again on the front lines of a battle that will shape the future of our country. It is a battle that is fought out of view and the heroes are people who didn’t seek a career of confrontation, but who live lives of principle and meaning – understanding that the gift of knowledge is the greatest gift we can give to each other.”
She added that libraries are a bastion of civil liberties in times of great political turmoil, but in calmer times are also an integral part of our daily lives.
Kennedy also said, “None of these efforts would have been possible without dedicated, committed and visionary librarians. Professionals who are excited about their changing role in a changing world - who are dedicated to serving others, who respect scholarship, and who understand that you are our guides on a life long journey of intellectual collaboration and collaborative composition. Your work is truly life changing,” she said.
“One of the most exciting rituals of childhood is getting your first library card, and last year, one-third of all Americans over the age of 15, or 77 million people, used a public library,” she said.
She also warned that libraries are under siege from an insidious adversary – indifference and lack of funds.
Nominations for the award were open to librarians working in public, school, college, community college, and university libraries. Forty librarians nationwide have won the I Love My Librarian award since 2008. More information about the award recipients is available at Atyourlibrary.org.
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