Carolyn L. Garnes (MSLIS '72) has received the 2025 Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Library Association (ALA). The annual award, named in honor of award-winning children's book author Virginia Hamilton, is presented in odd years "to a practitioner for substantial contributions through active engagement with youth using award-winning African American literature for children and/or young adults, via implementation of reading and reading-related activities/programs."
Garnes was employed with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library for over thirty years, retiring as deputy director of the library system. After retirement, she served for six years as a media specialist in the Fulton County School System. In 2013, Garnes established Aunt Lil's Reading Room, a Georgia nonprofit organization named in honor of her mother. The nonprofit, which closed during the pandemic, aimed to connect children of color with authors, illustrators, and books specifically created for them.
"We provided opportunities for in-person interactions with both local and nationally recognized authors," said Garnes. "During its operation, Aunt Lil's Reading Room hosted several authors in Atlanta, including Sharon Draper, Brian Collier, and Patricia McKissack."
Garnes was a member of the Carnegie Scholars, a group of thirty minority students who were recruited in the early 1970s to attend the Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences (now the iSchool) at the University of Illinois. As an MSLIS student, she researched Black children's literature and wrote a paper referencing Charlemae Rollins' work, We Build Together: A Guide to Negro Life and Literature for Elementary and High School Use.
"My research highlighted the contributions of Augusta Baker and Effie Lee Morris to this bibliography, emphasizing the need for more accurate depictions of African Americans in children's literature. This inquiry sparked a passion that ignited my interest in the field and set the course for my career journey," she said.
Garnes held a leadership role with Coretta Scott King Book Awards, during which time she had the chance to get to know Coretta Scott King personally.
Emma K. McNamara, Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award Committee chair, noted in the ALA’s press release that "Garnes was instrumental in taking the CSK Books Awards Task Force from an independent entity to being a part of ALA. Because of her work, CSKBART celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2024."
Garnes was announced as the award winner during the ALA's LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix, Arizona.
"For over four decades, I have passionately devoted myself to the promotion of literature for African American children. Inspired by the profound words of George Washington Carver—'No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it'—I see my efforts in this field as a significant and purposeful contribution," said Garnes. "As I reflect on my journey, I realize that I have been a vibrant voice, not merely a fleeting echo, championing the importance of representation and inspiration through stories that resonate deeply with young readers."