The Library of Congress announced last week that, through its Center for the Book, it will create the post of National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Appointed for a two-year term by the Librarian of Congress, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature will speak to the importance of fiction and non-fiction books in children’s lives. Selected for extraordinary contributions to the world of books for young people, the National Ambassador will encourage the appreciation of young people’s literature throughout the United States through both personal and media appearances.
“The Ambassador will be an award-winning author or illustrator whose position will acknowledge Âat the national level Âthe importance of exceptional authors and illustrators in creating the readers of tomorrow,” said James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress. The appointment of the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature will be announced in January 2008.