In a proclamation from the office of Mayor Michael McGinn, October 14, 2010 has been proclaimed to be Spencer G. Shaw Day in the City of Seattle. Professor Emeritus Spencer G. Shaw. Spencer passed away on June 16, 2010, at the age of 93.
The proclamation cites Spencer's contributions as a dynamic leader, humanitarian and tireless advocate for cultural understanding, acceptance and inclusion over seven decades as a nationally and internationally known librarian, storyteller and educator.
In his travels lecturing, storytelling and leading workshops in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, England, the Netherlands, Cyprus, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Brazil, Spencer helped convey the values of all cultures and communities and promoted the significance of heritage and customs in storytelling. For this work he was honored with The Grolier Foundation Award, Honorary Life Membership from the American Library Association, and the Association for Library Service to Children Distinguished Service Award.
Spencer G. Shaw Day in Seattle coincides with the annual Spencer G. Shaw Lecture, established by the University of Washington Information School during Spencer's lifetime in recognition of his innumerable contributions to the University of Washington, the Information School and the field of librarianship. Every year the Shaw Lecture brings world-renowned storytellers and authors writing for children and youth to speak to their craft.
This year's lecture will feature Jane Yolen, whose books include Owl Moon, The Devil's Arithmetic, and How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? She has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the 20th century, and her work has earned her the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, two Christopher Medals, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards, and the Golden Kite Award. This year's lecture also includes a special tribute to Dr. Shaw.
Past speakers have included famed authors and illustrators such as Tom Feelings, Maurice Sendak, Ashley Bryan, Margaret Mahy, Gary Soto, Laurence Yep, Theodore Taylor, Susan Cooper, Katherine Paterson, Milton Meltzer and Jerry Pinkney. Recent authors have included Walter Dean Myers, Gerald McDermott and Patricia McKissack.
You can learn more about Spencer at spencergshaw.org.