Richland Library is proud to announce that Vashti Harrison, acclaimed illustrator, author, and filmmaker, will headline The 6th Annual Augusta Baker Lecture featuring Vashti Harrison to be held on Friday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. at Richland Library Main (1431 Assembly Street, 29201).
Harrison, a 2024 Caldecott Medal winner and the first Black woman in the award’s 85-year history to receive the honor, will be in conversation with Dr. Nicole A. Cooke, Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and Professor at the University of South Carolina’s School of Library and Information Science. The two will engage in an intimate dialogue on Harrison’s celebrated body of work, artistic collaborations, inspirations, and her impact on children’s literature.
The lecture will be followed by a book signing and reception, giving fans a rare opportunity to meet Harrison in person.
The Augusta Baker Lecture is an annual event that honors the legacy of storytelling pioneer Augusta Baker, celebrating leaders in libraries, education, children’s literature, and storytelling who champion equity, diverse representation, and social justice.
The event is presented in partnership with Richland Library, the South Carolina Center for Community Literacy, the College of Information and Communications, and the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair at the University of South Carolina.
Richland Library will also host A Celebration of Stories for Families with Vashti Harrison Saturday, April 19, from 1 0 {: } 3 0 \mathrm { a. m. \mathrm { – } } 1 2 \mathrm { p. m. } , at Richland Library Main. Storytelling, songs and more await you and your family as we celebrate stories of all kinds in honor of our favorite librarian, Augusta Baker. This event will feature Vashti Harrison and Storyteller, Darion McCloud. A book signing will follow.
A(ugusta) Baker’s Dozen: A Celebration of Stories is made possible thanks to a partnership with the School of Library and Information Science at UofSC. Held each April since 1987, the program honors the life and work of the late A(ugusta) Baker, an influential librarian and storyteller, by introducing children to the magic of stories and the art of traditional storytelling.
For questions, please contact Tacara Young at 803- 351-5616 or tyoung@richlandlibrary.com.
