Librarian Named to National Book Award Committee

Seven Hills Middle and Upper School head librarian Megan Whitt has been named to the Stonewall Book Award Committee for the Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award.

Whitt is one of only 11 librarians throughout the country named to the committee. She will serve a two-year term that begins in February.

“I was very excited to hear I had been selected to serve on this committee” Whitt said. “Literary awards recognize exceptional writing, which calls attention to talented authors and diverse voices.”

The Stonewall Book Awards of the American Library Association are given annually to English-language books for exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQ+ experience.

“Awards bring books to a wider audience and can provide career opportunities for writers. Specifically, the Stonewall Awards are a way to promote and elevate literature by and about members of the LGBTQ+ community. The award provides visibility and support for queer authors, helping to foster greater representation and understanding within the literary world,” Whitt said.

Whitt and the other members of the Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award Committee will be reading nonfiction books recommended by committee members and submitted to the committee for consideration. They will discuss the books and select winners.

Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz commended Whitt’s dedication to literature and educating students about the diversity that exists in their school community and the larger world.

“Megan is a stalwart voice in our Seven Hills community, who is always championing those voices, who are often underrepresented, helping our students to learn and appreciate these individuals,” Waskowitz said.