James Cook

It's hard to believe that 17 years have gone by since Jim's passing. I will call him Jim even though I only was privileged to meet him once, at a YA conference for one of his awesome, standing-room only book talk sessions. I'm still at the same library as I was in 2005, though I have transitioned away from teen services and now focus on the younger kids. That was not my choice, but I think I'd be struggling to connect with today's teens. The social media landscape and society in general...

James was a library colleague and a good friend. In January and June this year I drove with James to library conferences in Boston and Chicago. We talked about loss and grief--we both lost our mothers this year. James was very dedicated to DLGC and joined me on the library's first negotiating team for a labor contract. James was an inspiration during difficult times. He truly loved all people and was very consistent in challenging prejudice and discriminaton. James' GLBT book talks were the...

I knew James as an ever-friendly, ever-professional presence in the library intellectual freedom community. He will truly be missed.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was an incredible advocate for young adults and inspiring to us all. I will miss his friendly, smiling face at conferences. He was a special man.

James and I sat at the same table the past two years as we participated in the United Methodist Church's Lay Ministry Academy. I so appreicated his insights and gentle manner. It was a blessing to spend time with you James.

James had made friends with folk from across the country & I was honored to be included. This past June while at Book Expo he came to my apt for dinner. We talked and laughed and talked some more. His emails always included a tidbit about his family. How he loved them! It seems as if I've known James forever. We served on Margaret Edwards together and currently on Printz. He had the gift of being able to always make you smile. I can still hear him laughing. I will miss my dear friend and...

He certainly did show up. And thank God he did. I had the good fortune of first meeting James through Elaine, the previous poster, many years ago when I was just a fledgling in the world of library service to teens. I was awed by his knowledge of teen lit. When I asked him how he knew so much he mentioned he read 5 or 6 books a week. Woah. Even now, I'm good to get in two. Thank you, James, for your friendship and guidance, your inspiration and belief in what it really means to be a...

A bumper sticker reads, “Get involved. The world is run by those who show up.”

James Cook helped run the world – his family’s world, his church world, and of course, the library world. James showed up to everything he possibly could, especially ALA, OELMA and SOYAMRG professional meetings. He knew that being involved was extremely powerful. He knew that his physical presence in the room impacted his profession, which in turn, affected the young people he worked to serve.
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