Hello Everyone, My name is Katie Lawrence and I am a librarian with the Northview Public School District, in the Grand Rapids area. I am happy to be back home in Michigan, after earning my MLIS and working as a librarian in Chicago for several years. I am writing to all of you because I am honored and truly humbled that I have been nominated to serve on the 2018 Newbery Award Committee. The ALA's annual election begins March 15th and goes through April 22nd. There are 15 of us appearing on the ballot, but only 8 of us will actually make it on the committee. I am the only Michigander appearing on any of the award committee ballots this year and it would be a great honor to represent our state, as well as the profession on this prestigious committee. If you are a member of the ALA as well as the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) I would be grateful if you would consider voting for me when voting opens this week. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Best, Katie Lawrence Teacher Librarian West Oakview School