LIANZA Children's Book Awards 2010

The 2010 Judging panel has been announced and LIANZA is very pleased to introduce Belynda Smith, Susan Dodd, Adrienne Hannan and Alice Heather.

Belynda Smith
Belynda Smith is the Co-ordinator of the Children's and Teenage Services Librarians for North Shore Libraries and is based at Takapuna Library.

Belynda and her family spent a number of years living in London where she worked as a Children's Specialist Librarian. Since returning to New Zealand she has enjoyed roles in school and public libraries in Christchurch, Nelson and Auckland.

Belynda has previously been on the Library Week Committee and is passionate about the LIANZA Children's Book Awards and promoting and enjoying New Zealand Children's Literature. This is Belynda's second year as the Panel Convenor we are looking forward to Belynda's energy and wonderful humour throughout the event.


Susan Dodd
Susan Dodd currently works in Pre School Outreach for the Programs, Learning and Events team of the Christchurch Public Libraries. In this capacity she visits some 70 Pre School Centres, a number of Language Nests [Samoan, Tongan, Maori, Muslim] and religiously focused early childhood groups.

Susan's role involves the development of a service which focuses on the delivery and promotion of books into lower socio economic and non-reading sectors of the population. Through the medium of storytelling and performance, she use's her extensive picture book knowledge to excite young people with the power of story, and to promote the availability and accessibility of Libraries and literature for all, to teachers and parents.

Susan's role also has a strong events element, supporting both Library and Council run events that have a preschool component. Examples of this are: Kidsfest, New Zealand Book Month and Matariki on the Marae.

Susan has 30 years of public library experience, most of which has revolved around the marketing of literature, predominantly children's and young adult, this has consolidated her passion for reading and books, especially in the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy fiction across all age groups. When Susan is not reading, she loves to cook!

Adrienne Hannan
Adrienne Hannan started working in libraries 11 years ago at Waitakere Library and Information Services in Auckland where she took up a full-time library position and quickly displayed an inclination towards children's and teens' library services. In 2008 Adrienne changed to Wellington City Libraries where she is currently one of two CYA Specialists.

Adrienne is an avid reader of children's and young adults' literature, and as well as satisfying her own personal interest, finds the knowledge useful in providing reading advisory services to young people, parents and teachers, and collection development advice to libraries.

Adrienne has been a regional coordinator for numerous years for the New Zealand Post Book Awards and, recently, on the Wellington City committee for these awards.

Adrienne is also completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information and Library Studies.

Alice Heather
Alice Heather (Judging Panel Convenor for Te Kura Pounamu) has been working at the National Library in Auckland, in the role of Māori Adviser for school Services for the last nine years.

Alice now works part-time at the National Library and has returned to secondary school teaching, teaching English as well as teacher with library responsibility at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hoani Waititi.

Alice is an active member of Te Rōpū Whakahau and Te Hikuroa (Māori Librarians in the Auckland Region). Alice helped to set up Uiangapatai, the te reo Māori side of Anyquestions and is currently an operator for both services.

Entries are due to close on March 12th. The Finalists will be announced on Tuesday 1st June and the Award Ceremony will be held on Monday 16th August in Wellington.

For further information about the LIANZA Children's Book Awards please contact Wendy Walker wendy@lianza.org.nz or 04 473 5834