BPL Youth Services Librarian Presents 2025 Empire State Award

Ellen McTyre, our youth services librarian, and Chair of the Empire State Award (ESA) Committee, was honored to present the 2025 Empire State Award at the Youth Services Luncheon during the New York Library Association’s (NYLA) Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs.

This annual award is given to a living New York State author or illustrator who has significantly contributed to children’s and young adult literature. Nominations are submitted by Youth Services librarians statewide. This year’s esteemed honoree was author Chris Grabenstein. For over two decades, he has captivated children and teens with his acclaimed picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult fiction. Ellen also facilitated a visit from Mr. Grabenstein to the Bronxville Elementary School during the early fall.