On May 9, the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) School Library System (SLS) held its final meeting of the year at the LoGuidice Educational Center, bringing together library professionals from across the region. The day was filled with inspiration, recognition, and creative energy, featuring presentations from three accomplished guest authors and culminating in the presentation of the E2CCB School Library Program Award.
The meeting began with a powerful lineup of guest speakers, each bringing a unique perspective on storytelling, creativity, and the role of literature in shaping young minds.
Nora Neus, Emmy-nominated journalist and author of Muhammad Najem, War Reporter, opened the day with a powerful look at storytelling as a tool for processing trauma and building resilience. She spoke on her experience in Syria and also her work on “Renegade Girls,” and the importance of Media Literacy.
Maria Scrivan, a New York Times bestselling author and syndicated cartoonist, followed with a humorous and heartfelt talk about her work in middle-grade graphic novels. Praised by Garfield creator Jim Davis for her ability to blend humor and heart, Scrivan shared her creative process and the importance of making young readers feel seen and understood.
Rachel DiNunzio, an artist, author, illustrator, and WNY native, rounded out the morning with her message of kindness and creativity. Known for her early reader series, Forsynthia: Rise of the Cupcakes, DiNunzio spoke about infusing imagination into education and the value of fostering curiosity through art and storytelling.
Following the author presentations, the highlight of the afternoon was the celebration of April Binkley, Library Media Specialist at Falconer High School, who was honored with the 2024-25 E2CCB School Library Systems Award. Nominated by colleague Mary Plumb, Binkley was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to literacy, creativity, and student engagement.
A Falconer alumna and media specialist since 2004, Binkley has transformed her library into a hub of exploration and inclusion. From district-wide reading challenges to collaborative civic capstone projects, her work supports students at every level of learning. She spearheads events such as Computer Science Education Week and Pi Day, partners with teachers to co-design research-based instruction, and has even brought a planetarium experience to the region’s STEM summer camp.
Binkley’s media center is not just a resource center — it’s a welcoming space, filled with flexible seating (including a stationary bike), Lego mural art, digital breakout rooms, and carefully curated book collections that reflect student interests. Her leadership extends beyond Falconer, as she supports regional library initiatives and professional development, including hosting a Western New York Library Resource Council meeting and participating in a three-week “AI in Libraries” workshop presented by the School Libraries Journal.
“Mrs. Binkley’s contributions to literacy and learning are both innumerable and transformative,” Plumb wrote in her nomination letter.
Known for her joyful, solution-driven personality and her instinct to say “Yes” and figure it out later, Binkley lives her philosophy: “I know that every kid is excited about something. I work to give them access to that thing,” she said.
The meeting concluded with retiree recognitions and updates. For more information about E2CCB Instructional Media and School Library Services, visit e2ccb.org.
