Learn More About Ana Cackley, ALSC’s Awards Coordinator

Ana Cackley joined ALSC in 2022, and since then, has been helping ALSC with all things awards. Ahead of this year’s Youth Media Awards (the YMAs) at the end of the month – where she is a huge part of coordinating with committees and preparing for the awards press conference – we decided to learn a little bit more about her!

Dog or cat person?

Both! Cats fit better into my schedule of sitting on the couch for hours snuggled in blankets, but I love every dog I meet. Notable favorites include my brother’s dog Poppyseed Bagel, my cat Morgana, and my roommate’s cat Sophie.

What drew you to ALSC?

I’ve always loved children’s books, and the idea of being a part of this community of librarians, authors, publishers, and others who come together to produce and support these titles excited and still excites me. ALSC and our kidlit awards are part of the beautiful, vibrant ecosystem of children’s publishing, and I love being able to do my bit to keep it healthy and creating great work.

Your favorite book as a kid?

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (1968 Newbery Medalist!)

What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

Doctor Who (particularly the Jodie Whittaker era)

Last book you read?

Homebody by Theo Parish (2025 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist!)

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl. I’d love to be an early bird, but I just don’t have it in me. Given the choice, I will always sleep in!

Best career advice you ever received?

All work has value and dignity. Even if you end up in a field vastly different from the one you trained for, your contributions matter.

Favorite social media app?

Discord. I love the sense of community it fosters as multiple conversations can happen at once on different topics. It feels like being at a big family dinner table with everyone talking over each other!

How did you interact with libraries as a kid?

I spent a lot of time hanging out in the children’s section before or after school, usually sitting smack dab in the middle of the aisle reading a favorite book and being a nuisance for everyone one else who wanted to walk through.

Favorite part of your job?

The calls to winning publishers and authors right before the Youth Media Awards every January! Hearing the joy in their voices and knowing that this phone call has changed the trajectory of someone’s career and life is truly priceless.

The post Learn More About Ana Cackley, ALSC’s Awards Coordinator appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 Ana Cackley joined ALSC in 2022, and since then, has been helping ALSC with all things awards. Ahead of this year’s Youth Media Awards (the YMAs) at the end of the month – where she is a huge part of coordinating with committees and preparing for the awards press conference – we decided to learn a little bit more about her! Dog or cat person? Both! Cats fit better into my schedule of sitting on the couch for hours snuggled in blankets, but I love every dog I meet. Notable favorites include my brother’s dog Poppyseed Bagel, my cat Morgana, and my roommate’s cat Sophie. What drew you to ALSC? I’ve always loved children’s books, and the idea of being a part of this community of librarians, authors, publishers, and others who come together to produce and support these titles excited and still excites me. ALSC and our kidlit awards…
The post Learn More About Ana Cackley, ALSC’s Awards Coordinator appeared first on ALSC Blog.  Read More

ALSC Blog