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California Library Hall of Fame

Shirley A Coaston

In 2020, Shirley A. Coaston was awarded the Trailblazer Award by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). The Trailblazer Award is BCALA’s highest award given to a member in recognition of outstanding and unique pioneering contribution, and whose efforts have “blazed a trail” in the profession. Shirley is professionally and personally active within and external to the library community. She has been an active member of the Council of Chief Librarian, a statewide community college library administer organization, served as the Faculty Senate President, Vice president of the Peralta Federation Teachers and the Peralta Community College District Academic Senate.

Shirley has been a member of the California Librarians Black Caucus (CLBC) almost since its inception. She was an early member of the Northern California Chapter of the California Librarians Black Caucus (CLBC) and assisted to facilitate the transition to a single (unified) statewide organization. Shirley has chaired the California Librarians Black Caucus (CLBC) Scholarship Committee for several years and serves as mentor to library personnel ranging from students to early career and seasoned library personnel. Through her community involvement, Shirley spreads the word about libraries and information. Her community involvement includes but is not limited to receiving the Recipient Dedicated Service award, Salem Lutheran Home, Outstanding Community Service award, Oakland City Council, 1996, the Oakland Member Fire Commission, the Lamplighter Aid Association Luths, the Western Region Council Black American Affairs, and serving on the Pan Hellenic Council to name a few.

Shirley retired from the Peralta College District in Oakland, California after more than 40 years, progressing from a faculty librarian to library director at Laney College. Despite being retired, Shirley Coaston, continues to be active in the library community, the college district and nationally, giving of her time and resources to advocate for libraries at the local, state and national level. She is a member of the American Library Association, a life member of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), the ALA African American Roundtable, and the Association College Research Libraries (ACRL).

Ms. Coaston has an extensive personal collection of stamps of famous African Americans, from African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, Frederick Douglass to American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright, Langston Hughes.