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CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), has announced that the Poudre River Public Library District is the recipient of the 2023 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award. Established with funding from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, in honor of Maureen Hayes, this award provides up to $4,000 to an ALSC member’s library to fund a visit from an author/illustrator to speak with children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear from a nationally known author/illustrator.

Poudre Libraries, in Fort Collins, Colorado, will be hosting author Uma Krishnaswami. This visit supports the library’s mission “to create opportunities and build connections to strengthen our community” and “to be a vibrant and essential center of learning, inspiration, and engagement.”

“Ms. Krishnaswami's reputation as a ‘major voice’ in international and diverse children's fiction makes her a special addition to our annual Fort Collins Book Fest schedule, and an important contribution to our ongoing efforts at providing the community with ever-expanding and diverse experiences,” said Amy Holzworth, a Children’s Services Librarian with Poudre Libraries.

“The committee was impressed by the Poudre Libraries proposal, inspired by community input and featuring collaborative partnerships, to host an author who can share her experiences as a part of the immigrant and BIPOC communities,” noted 2023 Programs and Services Recognition co-chairs Maren Ostergard and Stephie Luyt.

“Simon & Schuster is delighted to continue its support of the Maureen Hayes Award,” said Michelle Leo, Vice President, Director of Education & Marketing at Simon & Schuster. “We send our best wishes to the Poudre River Public Library District and Uma Krishnaswami for a wonderful Book Fest event!”

About the Association for Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the 91��ý, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit ALSC’s website at .