CALS Manager Named Librarian of the Year

The Witherspoon Arts & Cultural Gala and Award Ceremony is hosted by the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. It recognizes artists and purveyors of the arts for their accomplishments and contributions to the arts, literary arts and cultural community. The award recognizes the achievements of high excellence and accomplishments. Latina Sheard was awarded the The Witherspoon Librarian of the Year Award – Arkansas 2024. The event was three fold, a garden party, award show, and a gallery opening; it took place on June 24 at the Boston Public Library.

I am honored to be recognized as the Librarian of the Year – Little Rock by the Witherspoon Institute at their inaugural award ceremony. This recognition highlights the importance of engaging young people and the broad reach and impact that my role at CALS allows. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in such a meaningful way. -Latina Sheard

Williams Library is one of the libraries selected to work with the Witherspoon Foundation and their “Get Lit” Reading initiative to get more books into the hands of more students. Williams was suggested by Key Fletcher at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Once contacted, Latina partnered with the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association and Little Rock Public School District. The LRPSD purchased books from Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing,  and Latina created a book club. The book titles are Girl on Fire, Season of Styx, Amari and the Night Brothers and New Kid. Congratulations Latina! We’re so glad to have you at CALS.