Call for nominations: Zora Neale Hurston Award for demonstrating leadership in promoting African American literature

Do you know someone(s) who should be recognized for their work in promoting African American literature? Could it be you? We encourage you to submit a nomination for the 2015 Zora Neale Hurston Award! The deadline for all nominations is Dec. 14, 2014.

The Zora Neale Hurston Award recognizes any ALA member who has demonstrated leadership in promoting African American literature. The winner receives funds to attend the ALA Annual Conference, United for Libraries’ Gala Author tea, and a set of the Zora Neale Hurston books published by Harper Perennial at the time the award is made.

Interested candidates must complete the nomination form; they should also submit a nomination letter that describes their project. Photos, booklists, screen captures, or other forms of illustration of the project must be included. In addition, candidates should submit a brief (250) word essay explaining how attending the annual conference will help further their efforts to support and promote African American literature. Self-nominations are welcome.

Questions about the award should be directed to the committee chair, Deborah Abston, dabston@asu.edu.

Good luck!

Free Webcast on Financial Literacy Education Now Available!

If you missed the free webinar from Smart investing@your library® on October 9, 2014 about financial literacy programs in libraries, you still have a chance view it. This webinar was designed to help librarians plan fun and easy financial literacy education (FLE) programs, and add value to your existing library services. Access the webcast here.

This webinar was produced from a partnership between the American Library Association, RUSA, and FINRA Investor Education Foundation

Introducing the Newly Developed National Guidelines and Best Practices for Financial Literacy Education in Libraries!

Free Introduction Webinar (five-part webinar series to follow throughout 2015)

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2014

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM (CST)

Management of personal finances requires information. Different kinds of information are needed to safely and successfully earn, borrow, save, invest, spend, and protect against risk. As with other literacies, libraries are uniquely qualified to address this information need. This webinar will describe the rationale, process, and purpose of these national guidelines and best practices, with recommendations for implementation.

Read more. Register here.