So late in posting this stuff – it's crunch time with some deadlines, and it feels like I haven't a moment to breathe, think, let alone blog. But in between working I did manage to attend some wonderful events at the end of February.
On the 24th of February I attended one of the events during Freedom To Read Week, called Banned Together: Canada's finest read the censors' favourites:
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Freedom to Read Week, acclaimed Canadian authors, editors, and publishers gathered in Toronto to read outrageously entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking books for young readers. Books that tell the truth! Books that make kids think! Books that make adults squirm!
Great fun. Tim Wynne-Jones read from Charlotte's Web, Russell Smith read from Lolita, Kenneth Oppel read from The Lorax and Dennis Lee read from his own book, Lizzy's Lion, to name but a few. An important event, and of course, a great opportunity for me to meet up with friends and colleagues that I don't see nearly often enough.
Half-way through the evening they held a raffle. I had my ticket in my hand, and glumly thought to myself, "I never win a damn thing". And wouldn't you know it – I won! And what a prize – a copy of Charlotte's Web, along with a copy of Writing Life: Celebrated Canadians and International Authors on Writing and Life, edited by Constance Rooke. But that wasn't all! I also won a $75.00(!) gift certificate to Ben McNally Books, and finally, I got me a Freedom To Read Week poster, with signatures from all the authors who took part in the evening's event. It's now in our computer room, and I'm looking at it right now:
Look closely: See? Dennis Lee's signature! Oh joy!
But the fun didn't stop that week – the next evening was the awards ceremony for Toronto Public Library's Design-A-Bookmark Contest. The winning designs have all been posted on the TPL web site now, and I urge you to look through all of them and be amazed. You may recall that I was asked to be one of the judges for this wonderful contest, and boy was it hard picking the top 16 – so many of the entries were fantastic.
The event took place at the auditorium in the North York Public Library, and all the kids who won along with their families came to attend this very special night. Cheryl Skovronek, Chair for TPL's Children's Services Committe was the MC, and Okeima Lawrence, one of TPL's Library Board Members also said a few words before the awards took place. Then Tamsin Plant, a professional artist, who also just happened to be a Design-a-Bookmark winner from years ago spoke to the audience, talking about her career, and inspiring the kids to continue to draw and follow their dreams. And last but not least, I got up and did my cartoon schtick for the kids and their families. (Note the goofy cartoon I did of your stereotypical shushing librarian. Heh).
And then finally, all the winners were introduced one-by-one, and given wonderful prizes of some beautiful books as well as copies of all the printed winning bookmarks. Afterwards I had a chance to talk to quite a few of the young artists as well as their very proud parents. Such a great feeling, seeing these young kids interested in art, looking for direction and inspiration. And just the other day, I got an email from one of the young bookmark designers. She wrote:
It was a pleasure to meet you on February 25 at the wonderful celebration for the bookmark contest. I have already been to your website, and it's awesome! I'll be sure
to tell my friends about it! When I grow up, I hope I'll create a
website with artwork like yours. I will continue drawing and
writing, and I hope I'll learn from you.
Oy! I'm all verklempt! I can't write anymore. Tawk amongst yourselves.
The expression, “If you want to get the job done, give it to a busy person,” would apply to YOU!
Bask in your verklempt-ness – and your prizes!
Posted by: Beth | March 06, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Grats on winning! Love the poster!
Thanks for linking to the bookmark winners---I enjoy making beaded bookmarks, and I love browsing artistic bookmarks in general. :)
Posted by: Heather (errantdreams) | March 06, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Writing Life is a wonderful book-- I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for this joyous update.
Posted by: Kerry | March 06, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Kerry, I actually remembered when I got home that I already had a copy of the book – and yes, I've read bits and pieces of it, and have enjoyed it immensely. So I'm looking for the right person who will really appreciate having this book as a treasured gift!
Posted by: patricia | March 06, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Some super bookmarks. I was especially impressed with Varvara's and Aiken's.
The work done by Toronto Public Libraries is impressive.
Posted by: Scriptor Senex | March 08, 2009 at 04:03 AM