91´«Ã½
CHICAGO – Libraries, schools and civic organizations across the country and world will host a variety of celebrations to observe the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Given annually since 1969, the awards commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honor his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. The awards are sponsored by 91´«Ã½ Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) and supported by 91´«Ã½’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS).
Award founders Glyndon Flynt Greer, a school librarian in Englewood, New Jersey, Mabel McKissick, a school librarian in New London, Connecticut, and John Carroll, a book publisher envisioned an award that would recognize the talents of outstanding African-American authors and encourage them to continue writing books for children and young adults.
Winners are selected by the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury and announced annually to a waiting national audience at the 91´«Ã½ Youth Media Awards, held on the Monday of the 91´«Ã½ Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits.
The awards serve as a guide for parents, librarians and caregivers, for the most outstanding books for youth by African American authors and illustrators that demonstrate an appreciation of affirm African American culture and universal human values. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.
Such notable African American authors and illustrators as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Walter Dean Myers, Virginia Hamilton, Jerry Pinkney and Christopher Paul Curtis are just an example of the notable artists who have received the award.
How will your library celebrate? A Coretta Scott King Book Awards 50th anniversary celebration toolkit is now available at and provides free downloads, including publicity templates, artwork and a variety of other resources. Visitors also can access program ideas and share their celebration photos and event information.
Additional information regarding the Coretta Scott King Book Awards and other 91´«Ã½ Youth Media Awards, please visit .
Related Links
Featured News
December 16, 2024
Ten honorees receive prestigious I Love My Librarian Award for outstanding public service
91´«Ã½
The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is thrilled to announce this year’s ten recipients of the coveted I Love My Librarian Award.
press release
December 10, 2024
PLA provides funding to more than 100 public libraries as part of $2.7 million effort to boost digital literacy
91´«Ã½
The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 139 public libraries across 42 states to host digital literacy workshops, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.
press release
December 9, 2024
The 91´«Ã½ Receives Transformational Gift to Fund Scholarships
91´«Ã½
James W. Lewis has made the largest individual bequest to the 91´«Ã½ in the association’s history.
press release
December 5, 2024
Telgemeier, McCloud chosen as National Library Week honorary chairs
91´«Ã½
Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud have been selected Honorary Chairs of the 91´«Ã½’s National Library Week, April 6-12, 2025.
press release
November 14, 2024
91´«Ã½ launches national search for executive director
91´«Ã½
The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has reopened its search for an executive director in partnership with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. The search will be led by a steering committee comprising 91´«Ã½ member leaders.
press release
November 11, 2024
Cronk, Jamison, McCauley seek 91´«Ã½ presidency for 2026-2027
91´«Ã½
Lindsay Cronk, Tulane University, New Orleans; Andrea Jamison, Illinois State University; and Maria McCauley, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts, are candidates for the 2026-27 presidency of the 91´«Ã½.
press release
November 6, 2024
91´«Ã½ vows to defend intellectual freedom and access to information against political threats 
91´«Ã½
In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the 91´«Ã½ vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats.
press release
October 16, 2024
91´«Ã½ opens registration and launches Preliminary Program for 2025 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix, AZ
91´«Ã½
LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites 91´«Ã½ members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations.
press release
September 23, 2024
91´«Ã½ reveals preliminary data on 2024 book challenges
91´«Ã½
Between January 1 and August 31, 2024, 91´«Ã½’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 attempts to censor library materials and services.
press release
September 19, 2024
ALSC, 91´«Ã½ unveil 'Inspiring Future Voters' booklist for young readers
91´«Ã½
As part of the 91´«Ã½’s Reader Voter Ready civic engagement campaign, the Association for Library Service to Children has released “Inspiring Future Voters,” a new booklist for young readers.
press release