AMANDA NOLL LIBRARY LOVE

Welcome to Library Lions interviews Raising a Roar for libraries and the outstanding librarians serving youth in schools and public libraries across the U.S. Please Roar today’s Author Spotlight guest Amanda Noll. Amanda is stopping by to share her Library Love with us.

 A Bit About Amanda

I was born and raised in Canberra, Australia. I immigrated to the United States as a teenager. After I married my college sweetheart, I began working in the purchasing division of a private university (ironic, since I despise shopping). I left the business world to attend to the business of raising children and concentrate on my writing. I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and four children.

Amanda's Book I NEED MY MONSTER Flashlight Press
A Story About Bedtime, Monsters, Imagination

Library Love When You Were a Cub

For me, the library was a place of refuge. It was always quiet, full of books and people who loved them, and it was air conditioned (a real bonus when you grow up in a warm climate!) Reading was important to my family, so there were regular visits to the public library. I also spent a great deal of time in my school library. My home was (and still is) bursting with books!

More Library Love

I love librarians! They are my connection with schools and public libraries. They are supportive and encouraging. Librarians are passionate about reading, a quality that resonates with me! I spent many hours with librarians growing up and I find that I still spend a considerable amount of time with them as a grown up.

Author’s Roar

I see librarians struggling to redefine their role as they are required to drastically reduce their print collections. I shudder to imagine the world without librarians. They were always available to recommend books, be a friend, and be the guardians of my imagination. I sincerely hope people recognize their value in this increasingly digital world.

Awards

I was privileged to be honored as the 2011 GrandCanyon Reader Award winner in the picture book category.

I was able to attend the Arizona Library Association 2011 Conference. It included an award ceremony and author panel. The presentation of the award was done by local elementary students. What a thrill to be so connected with both my readers and champions of my work!

At the author panel from left to right Amanda Noll, Jody Feldman, Jillian Cantor, and Jennifer Ward. We answered questions about the publishing industry, how to connect with readers, writing, and storytelling. I find many librarians are also closet writers, anxious to learn how to become part of the industry.

Host Note: You can see the full list of Awards and Honors for I NEED MY MONSTER here !

Roar for School Visits  

I love being able to directly connect with my readers. There’s nothing quite like hearing a child share their own imagination. Children aren’t afraid to ask any questions, they’re always fascinated with my age.

Children still believe they can change the world. I always meet children who are convinced that they have something wonderful to contribute to the world. They lack that inner critic that haunts my days. After a school visit I’m always exhausted but amazed at our young people, and those who choose careers to help guide them. 

My school visits include a reading of my picture book, a brief bit of my background, but mostly revolves around the student’s questions and answers. I feel strongly that children should know that hard work and persistence pays off.

Let’s Link Up

Amanda's Website:

Amanda's Facebook:

Thanks again for sharing your Library Love with us, Amanda!

Love Libraries? Give a Roar in “Comments” below.

Note to Librarians: If you’re a Youth Librarian working in a school or public library we’d love to hear about you and your library. Contact Janet at jlcarey@hotmail.com for an interview slot.