A New Year brings New Transitions

Posted on by Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

Dear Readers,

Happy 2025 and Happy Year of the Snake!

A new year inspires reflection. I’ve decided it is time to step down from my role as Executive Director at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative. I have loved advocating for more global literature in libraries during these past nine years of involvement in GLLI. I will be forever grateful to translator and former GLLI Executive Director Rachel Hildebrandt Reynolds for inviting me to participate in this noble and very fun cause.

During this time, I’ve guest curated a #TurkishLiteratureMonth, served on the committee for the GLLI Translated Young Adult Book Prize, had a blast supporting reviewers and guest curators from around the world on the GLLI blog as we celebrated #WorldKidLit Wednesdays, #IntlYALitMonths, #WITMonths and #WorldKidLitMonths among so many other exciting themes. I have also enjoyed my time representing GLLI to libraries worldwide.

Please know that working with the GLLI community of contributors and readers has been an incredible honor. Each one of you is a bridge builder between cultures!

I’m sure the GLLI board will have more to say soon. Thank you for being here and cheering GLLI on!

With so much appreciation,

Karen

Karen Van Drie

Executive Director

Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

5 thoughts on “A New Year brings New Transitions”

  1. Dear Karen,

    Thank you so much for your hard work on behalf of GLLI — we have been very lucky to have had you at the helm for so long! I wish you all the best and I know that we will keep in touch!

    Best,

    Annette

    Member, GLLI Board

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  2. Thanks for all your work for GLLI, Karen. You’ve done a fantastic job, and I’m sure your leadership will be missed. Pam

    Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

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    1. Thank you so much, Pam! We enjoyed having your guest curate your #ReadCookGive journey to every country in the world. That was so fun to read about!

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  3. Karen, I am sorry to see this. You have been such a positive force in the translation community through your work here and all your ongoing championing of many translators and their works from across the globe. What a privilege and honor it has been to get to know you and work with you. I wish you all the very best for the next chapter and know that it will be amazing work. I’m not on the socials much these days, but please stay in touch via email if I can help in any way.

    Thank you for all that you have done.

    Best wishes,

    Jenny Bhatt

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