Marsden awarded 2018 Dromkeen Medal

14 December 2018 Books+Publishing

The State Library Victoria (SLV) has awarded the 2018 Dromkeen Medal to author John Marsden.

Marsden is the author of more than 40 books, including the ‘Tomorrow’ series, which is one of Australia’s most enduring series. He has sold more than 2.5 million books in Australia.

‘John Marsden’s enduring passion for and contribution to Australian children’s literature and children’s education is truly remarkable,’ said SLV CEO Kate Torney. ‘He is not only a literary pioneer, he is also a founder and teacher of two schools, a role model for young authors and readers, and a voice for issues facing young people today. His impact on literacy levels in Australia is astonishing, and we’re delighted to be honouring this national treasure today.’

The Dromkeen Medal honours outstanding contributions to Australian children’s literature.

SLV also presented this year’s Dromkeen Librarian’s Award to library worker Sue Wootton.

Wootton is the children’s support officer at Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL), which she joined in 1999. In 2002, when she was the youth services librarian at Ferntree Gully Library, Wootton developed a variety of children’s programs, and by 2016, she had become the children’s support officer for three council areas. Wootton supported SLV’s children’s and youth services program across ERL, which had close to 100,000 participants.

Torney said: ‘Sue is a proud advocate for children’s literature and the benefits that children’s library services play in cultivating a love of books in young people. She is committed to ensuring access for all children to youth literature, and she has shown great leadership in building a dedicated children’s services team, which has extended to her broader community.’

For more information, see the SLV website.

Category: Awards Junior Local news