Summer school begins Monday, July 8
For the last decade, librarian Alicia Abdul has strived to assure that quality books are on Albany High School shelves.
Her scope of influence will expand substantially now that she’s been appointed to a prestigious committee of the American Library Association (ALA).
Abdul is a member of the committee that will determine the ALA’s 2019 William C. Morris Young Adult Debut Award. The honor goes to a book published by a first-time author writing for teens and young adults.
“This is a big deal,” said librarian Kristen Majkut, who works alongside Abdul at Albany High. “It speaks to Alicia's professionalism, her content area knowledge, and her contributions to our field.”
In short, Abdul will be identifying the best in young adult literature and influencing the choices made by readers throughout the country and world.
“Only the best in our profession are asked to serve on these national committees and it takes some significant time, grit and effort to even be considered. Alicia has put in the work,” Majkut said.
The award's namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults.
Learn more about Abdul in a spring 2015 profile in Capital Education, the City School District of Albany’s award-winning newsletter.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves nearly 9,700 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.
