The Norelma Walker Youth Library (NWYL) was established at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno in 1997. In her role as Director of Religious Education at the UU Church of Fresno, Norelma truly delighted in her work with and on behalf of children. By bringing literature into their lives, expanding their vision of their world whilst all the while instilling a sense of possibility, compassion and the importance of kindness, Norelma truly exemplified the Mission of Unitarian Universalism. This was evident in her teaching at the Fresno State University Early Childhood Education program where she later became the Director of the CSUF Children's Center. Following her passing in 1994, her family donated 40 books from Norelma's personal collection, all of which are treasured to this day.

Featured Author: Margarita Engle

Margarita Engle is the Cuban-American author of many verse novels, memoirs, and picture books, including The Surrender Tree, Enchanted Air, Drum Dream Girl, and Dancing Hands. Awards include a Newbery Honor, Pura Belpré, Golden Kite, Jane Addams Peace Award, and NSK Neustadt, among others. Margarita served as the 2017-2019 Young People’s Poet Laureate. Her theme as Poet Laureate was “Peace.”