The Latest News from Hackmatack

Award Ceremony, Friday, May 31

Join us at Paul O’Regan Hall in Halifax Central Library on Friday, May 31, for the Hackmatack award ceremony!

Thirteen of the shortlisted authors will be in attendance, and each will be presented by a student before saying a few words. Pre-show entertainment begins at 9:30, with the ceremony running from 10:00 to 11:00.

Woozles will be on hand with this year’s shortlisted books and some of those shortlisted for the 2020 Hackmatack award.

Admission is free, but seating may be limited. For groups of five or more, please email hackmatack@hackmatack.ca to reserve seats. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed. Check this page for the link on Friday morning, May 31!

Voting Deadline April 15

A reminder that the voting deadline is April 15. Ballots and the official voting tally sheets are in the Project Kit on the website. Every vote by every student in a registered Hackmatack group will be counted to determine who will receive the 2019 Hackmatack awards!

Call for Volunteer Board Members

We’re expanding our volunteer board! We are looking for individuals:

with enthusiasm for literacy and a love of children’s books;
who are able to share their passion and great ideas at the three board meetings that take place each year (in September, December, and March) either in person or by telephone or Skype;
who are willing to assist with the annual awards ceremony in late May;
who have skills they are willing to contribute to the program (eg., writing grant applications, spearheading fundraising initiatives, handling the society’s bookkeeping)

Please send a brief letter of interest to hackmatack@hackmatack.ca including your name and contact information and what interests you about being a member of the Hackmatack board.

** We welcome interested parties to self-identify in any way they feel comfortable as well as including any insight into pertinent work / volunteer experience.

Remembering Sharon Palermo

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Hackmatack Board member Sharon Palermo passed away on March 5 after a brief illness.

She was a dedicated educator and children’s author who was passionate about books and reading.

Sharon proposed the idea of a “tree award” for the Atlantic region, putting in motion what would become the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award.

She devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to the Hackmatack program. Her board work included a seat on the promotions committee, and she generously hosted meetings in her home. Through her tireless support she shared her love of reading with children across Nova Scotia and throughout Atlantic Canada.

We continue to be indebted to Sharon and her commitment to Hackmatack. It was a pleasure to work with her. She will be sadly missed.

Sharon’s obituary is available online at Arbor Memorial. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award and Society.

Celebrating 20 Years—Hackmatack “20 for 20″

We kicked off our 20th anniversary year with the Hackmatack “20 for 20” campaign, to help send nominated authors to schools and libraries in the Atlantic Provinces. Thank you to everyone who participated! Read all about it here.

2018-2019 Hackmatack Shortlists!

The selection committees have made their choices for the shortlists for the 2018-19 Hackmatack Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees! Check them out here:

Win a Set of Hackmatack Nominated Books!

All registered groups will be entered in a draw to win a set of next year’s Hackmatack nominated books, donated by TD Canada Trust. One school or library from each Atlantic province will be drawn at the award ceremony.

2017-2018 Winners Announced

The readers have spoken! Click here to find out who were the winners of the 2018 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award.

2017-2018 Live Stream

If you missed the 2018 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award Ceremony, it’s available for viewing here. Enjoy!

(Note: The ceremony itself starts at 8:49, following the opening entertainment and the singing of O Canada.)