Valley author recognized for contributions to literacy

Each year, Audrey Leighton works hard to make sure Alaska authors come together with readers at the ever-growing Book Bonanza. For the most part, the behind the scenes work is tireless -- there's always work to be done, and recognition rarely happens.

Still, Leighton organizes the event, and relishes in its success every year -- from when people simply buy a book from an Alaska author, to when students talk with authors and realize that writing is a career choice to entertain.

In mid-April, however, Leighton received one of the highest forms of recognition possible -- the CLIA award from the Alaska Center for the Book.

The CLIA -- known as the Contributions to Literacy In Alaska Awards, recognize people or institutions who have made significant contributions to literacy, to literary arts or to the preservation of the written or spoken word in Alaska. Leighton was awarded a CLIA at the Writing Rendezvous earlier this month, but she is quick to spread the award to all the volunteers of the Book Bonanza.

"It was awarded to me, but it really is for everyone who helps put together the Book Bonanza every year. One person can't do it," Leighton said. "I've got to give them credit, and my critique group credit, because they help me so much."

The Alaska Center for the Book was founded in 1991 to help promote literacy. It is affiliated with the Library of Congress Center for the Book, and there are centers in all 50 states. Each year, the organization puts together a Writing Rendezvous, which attracts some of the top writers in the world.

"It's not just for writers from Alaska, but from around the country, and even the world," Leighton said."

The Book Bonanza attracts some of the top writers from around the Valley and Anchorage, and Leighton is working to make it a statewide affair.

"We're getting more and more from Fairbanks. There are a lot of good writers up there," Leighton said.

Each year, it also includes a poetry contest and a poster art contest, both of which generate interest from a wide range of ages. That was one reason Alaska Center for the Book organizers awarded her a CLIA.

"As someone who has been involved with books most of her life, as an author, a bookstore owner and workshops presenter in Valley schools, you are a valuable literary resource in your community," organizers said about Leighton in the award letter she received.