Andrew Demčák

Opening Session Speaker

Thursday, June 1st 5:15-6:15 pm

Join CLA President Gary Shaffer in conversation with novelist, poet, and librarian Andrew Demčák. Andrew is the author of six poetry collections and eight Young Adult novels. His work has been heralded by The American Library Association, Verse Daily, The Lambda Literary Foundation, The Best American Poetry, Kirkus Reviews, and Poets & Writers. Andrew and Gary will discuss Andrew’s books and the recent flurry of calls for banning of LGBTIQA+ books and challenges to library programs. They will also discuss growing up gay in a heteronormative world and how librarians are often the welcomers of all kids who are different. Andrew is currently the Senior Librarian in Collection Development for Oakland Public Library. Since he started working for OPL in 1996, he has been in charge of (and drove) the Bookmobile Outreach service, has been the e-Resources Librarian, has run the West Oakland Bus Grant as a Children's Librarian, and has managed multiple branches during his library career. Visit Andrew’s website https://www.andrewdemcak.org