Spencer Shaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Spencer Gilbert Shaw
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| Born | August 15, 1916 |
| Died | June 16, 2010 (aged 93) |
| Alma mater | University of Chicago University of Wisconsin (BLS) Hampton University (BS) |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Employer | University of Washington Information School |
Spencer Gilbert Shaw was an amazing American librarian and teacher. He was a true champion for children's books and library services. He taught at the Information School at the University of Washington for many years. He also led a big group called the Association for Library Service to Children, which helps libraries serve kids.
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Spencer Gilbert Shaw: A Champion for Young Readers
Spencer Gilbert Shaw (born August 15, 1916 – died June 16, 2010) dedicated his life to libraries and helping children discover the joy of reading. He became a well-known expert in how libraries can best serve young people.
His Early Life and School Days
Spencer Shaw was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on August 15, 1916. His parents were Martha Taylor Shaw and Eugene Shaw. His father worked at a bank. His mother was a homemaker and a community leader. She helped make sure that people of all backgrounds could work together fairly at a big store in the 1940s.
Spencer grew up in a neighborhood in Hartford. He was the only African American student in his elementary and high schools. He worked hard in his studies. He earned his first degree from Hampton University in 1940. Then, he got a special library science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1941. He continued his advanced studies at the University of Chicago Graduate Library School in 1949.
Serving His Country in World War II
During World War II, Spencer Shaw joined the US Army in 1943. He served at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He went to officer training school. He then became a second lieutenant and served in this role for the rest of the war.
Spencer Shaw's Library Career
Spencer Shaw began his library journey at the Hartford Public Library. From 1941 to 1949, he managed the Upper Albany Branch. He was the first African American librarian hired by that library system.
Helping Children Discover Stories
From 1949 to 1959, Spencer worked at the Brooklyn Public Library. He was a program specialist for children's services. He became famous for his amazing storytelling and fun programs for kids.
In 1959, he moved to the Nassau County Public Library System. There, he advised 52 library branches on children's services. He even had his own weekly radio show called Story Hour on the Air from 1961 to 1968. He also traveled a lot, teaching at library schools all over the country. Some of these included Queens College and the University of Maryland.
Teaching the Next Generation of Librarians
In 1970, Spencer Shaw became a teacher at the University of Washington Information School. He quickly became an associate professor in 1971 and a full professor in 1977. He retired in 1986 as a professor emeritus, which means he kept his title after retiring. The University of Washington even started the Spencer G. Shaw Children's Literature Lecture Series to honor him.
Spencer also shared his knowledge around the world. He gave talks and taught in many countries, including Australia, Japan, and South Africa. He was also the president of the Association for Library Service to Children from 1975 to 1976. He helped choose winners for the famous Caldecott Medal, which honors great children's picture books.
Returning Home
After retiring in 1986, Spencer Shaw moved back to Connecticut. He lived in Bloomfield. Even in his late 80s, he continued to volunteer as a storyteller at the Hartford Public Library. He was invited by a former student of his.
Spencer Shaw passed away on June 16, 2010, at the age of 93. He was survived by his brother and two sisters. He never married and did not have children.
Awards and Special Honors
Spencer Shaw received many awards and honors throughout his life. In 1992, the University of Wisconsin gave him an honorary doctorate degree. This is a special degree given to people who have achieved great things.
He also received a fellowship from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1940. This helped him study librarianship. In 1983, he received the Grolier Foundation Award from the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA also gave him an honorary lifetime membership in 1988. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Library Services to Children in 1998. Many other groups also honored him for his dedication and work.
