Lucia M. Gonzalez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucia M Gonzalez
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| Born | Lucia Martinez 13 December 1957 Caimito, Cuba, Cuba1 |
| Occupation | Author, Librarian, Storyteller, Puppeteer. |
| Genre | Storytelling, Folklore, Fun, Historical Fiction, Latino Children's Literature |
Lucia M. Gonzalez is a talented author who writes books for kids. She's also a librarian, which means she helps people find and enjoy books. In 2020, she became the president of a big group called the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). This group is part of the American Library Association, which helps libraries all over the country. Before that, from 2010 to 2011, she was also the president of REFORMA, an organization that supports library services for Latino and Spanish-speaking communities.
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About Lucia M. Gonzalez
Lucia M. Gonzalez was born in Caimito del Guayabal, a place in Cuba. When she was 12 years old, in 1970, she moved to the United States with her parents and sister. Since then, she has lived in different places like Florida, California, Spain, and Venezuela.
Lucia's Education Journey
Lucia went to North Miami Senior High School and finished in 1976. She then studied History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983. Later, in 1991, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida Tampa Bay. This degree helped her become a librarian.
Lucia's Career in Libraries and Books
Lucia Gonzalez is a wonderful storyteller, a puppeteer, and a children's librarian. She started working in libraries for kids in 1987. This was after she got her first college degree and while she was studying to become a librarian.
She has written several books that are popular with children. Her books are often bilingual, meaning they are written in both English and Spanish.
- The Bossy Gallito is one of her famous books. It won a special award called the Pura Belpré Award Honor Medal. The New York Public Library also named it one of the "100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know."
- Señor Cat's Romance and Other Favorite Stories from Latin America is another book she wrote. It was recognized as an Americas Award Commended Title.
- Her book, The Storyteller's Candle, is a bilingual picture book. It was illustrated by Lulu Delacre and also won the Pura Belpré Children's Literature Honor Medal in 2008.
In 1998, Lucia was honored by the University of South Florida School of Library and Information Science. They named her the Jean Key Gates Distinguished Alumna, which is a special award for a successful former student.
Working in Libraries
Lucia has held many important jobs in libraries, especially helping children and families.
- She was the Director of the North Miami Public Library from 2011 until 2023.
- Before that, she was an Associate Director for Programming, Youth Services, and Family Literacy at Broward County Library from 2004 to 2009.
- She also worked as a Programs Coordinator for the Miami-Dade Public Library System from 2000 to 2003.
- She managed the Children’s Department at the West Kendall Regional Library from 1994 to 1999.
- She was a Children’s Outreach Librarian at the Imagination Factory from 1990 to 1992, bringing stories to kids.
Groups Lucia Belongs To
Lucia is part of many important groups that help libraries and promote reading.
- American Library Association (ALA)
- Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC)
- Florida Library Association (FLA)
- National Storytelling Association (NSA)
- REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking)
Lucia's Presentations and Talks
Lucia has given many talks and presentations at conferences and events. She often shares her knowledge about children's literature, bilingual books, and how libraries can help different communities.
- In 2021, she gave a lecture at the University of South Florida about "Changing the Face of Librarianship: REFORMA and Library Services to Latino Communities."
- She has spoken at many ALA Annual Conferences, discussing topics like Latino children’s literature and bilingual programs.
- She also presented at the REFORMA National Conference III in 2008, talking about "The Bilingual Mind."
- Lucia has shared her stories and books at the Miami Book Fair International multiple times.
- She has even traveled internationally, giving presentations in places like Warsaw, Poland, and Cuba.
Awards and Special Honors
Lucia M. Gonzalez has received many awards and honors for her work.
- In 2024, a children's playground was named "Lucia Martinez Gonzalez Tot Lot" in North Miami. It's right next to the North Miami Public Library, where she used to be the director.
- In 2023, she received the Elizabeth Martinez Lifetime Achievement Award.
- From 2021 to 2022, she served as the President of the Association of Library Service to Children.
- Her book The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos received the Pura Belpré Children’s Literature Honor Medal in 2008.
- Her book The Bossy Gallito also won the ALA/ALSC Pura Belpré Children’s Literature Honor Medal in 1996.
- In 1998, she was chosen as the "Outstanding Graduate" by the USF/SLIS Alumni Society.
