Action Figure: Stephanie Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library

Stephanie Squicciarini owns a Nancy Pearl action figure, but for high school, middle school, and public librarians in Fairport, NY, this YA librarian is an action figure herself. They describe her as a “first-class organizer,” with “boundless energy,” creativity, infectious enthusiasm, and an “amazing connection with teens.”

Squicciarini chose to work with teens “because they are so worth it,” but she wanted to do something special for them: she launched the Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival (www.teenbookfestival.org). She organized local librarians and media specialists, and together they lined up the funding, location, and a slew of popular authors. Now entering its third year, the festival has become wildly successful (1000-plus attendance in 2007, double that of year one). Teens meet their favorite authors in a day of panel discussions, small group breakouts, and autograph sessions, and authors get star treatment—stretch limos, goodie bags, red carpet, and more.

Even more than the Teen Book Festival, Squicciarini's colleagues appreciate that she reached out to school librarians and “established a connection.” Now, together, they can all better serve teens.