BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – LaKeisha Darden, Curriculum/Media Librarian, has been elected to the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury of the American Library Association.
As a jury member, Darden is responsible for reviewing children and young adult books that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
“I always read the Coretta Scott King books growing up,” shared Darden. “I remember my mom looking for books with African American characters and I remember the librarian in my hometown librarian pointed out the seal for the American Library Association Coretta Scott King seal.”
Beginning in January 2017, Darden will again become familiar with that seal as she receives the first books to review. The jury will then meet to determine winners in six categories, including recognition of authors, illustrators, and new talent. Darden will also assist with the selection of the 2017 Coretta Scot King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“With a passion for promoting literacy, Ms. Darden embodies the positive change strongly advocated by Coretta Scott King,” said Borrée Kwok, Dean of Campbell Libraries.
“We are proud of her election to the esteemed Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury, which is both a distinctive honor and a fitting recognition of her work and contribution to our society.”
Darden began her tenure with the American Library Association shortly after she made the transition from high school English teacher to academic librarian.
Darden has served as the Curriculum/Media Librarian at the Wiggins Memorial Library since 2010. In her role, she works closely with the School of Education and serves an adjunct professor during the academic year. She also manages the Wiggins Memorial Library’s Curriculum Materials/Media Center, which includes a juvenile print collection, reference collection, periodicals collection, a Mac lab, and the Campbell University Idea Lab/Makerspace.