It was no surprise to family and friends when Demetria Tucker decided to pursue a career in library science. She has always been fascinated by books.  Last month, the 1972 A&T graduate was the recipient of the 2013 Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Tucker, a senior family and youth services librarian for the Pearl Bailey Library,  has worked over 30 years for the Virginia public and school libraries. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions.

The National Lifetime Achievement Award is named in memory of children’s author Virginia Hamilton.  In odd years it is presented to a practitioner for substantial contributions through active engagement with youth, using award-winning African American literature for children and/or young adults, via implementation of reading and reading-related activities/programs.  Tucker was honored at the American Library Association’s Midwinter meeting held Jan. 25-29 in Seattle.

“I was shocked, elated and honored to receive the award,” she said. “It is truly a humbling experience to realize that my work is being held in such esteem.  Both Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Virginia Hamilton were driven by passion.  These two remarkable women displayed strength, leadership and service throughout their lives.”

Tucker was born in Greenville, N.C. but considers Roanoke and Hampton, Va. to be her hometown.  As a child, she enjoyed listening to her mother read fairytales to her and her sister before bedtime.

“I love books,” she said.  “When I was able to read on my own it opened up a whole new world for me! 

Tucker also has an undying affection for libraries.

“I love libraries,” she said.  “I am surrounded by books, I get to do research, I can be creative, plus I get to interact with lots of people.”

During her career, she has often interacted with creative and passionate individuals.

“I’ve worked and learned from people in my profession who care about making a difference in our youth.  Though they can be very challenging at times, I love working with young people. I especially enjoy seeing the growth from preschool to high school or college graduation.

Tucker has also seen many changes take place in her field.

“The technological changes in accessing information in various formats has dramatically changed over the years and how we educate the public about these advancements has also changed my job,” she said.

She is quick to point out that public libraries are still vital in both urban and rural communities; and considers them be the “lifelines” or “hot spots” for those individuals who have no other means of accessing and retrieving information from books,  computers, or other media. 

“Public libraries have always provided free access to the educational process of higher learning regardless of race, age or sex,” she said.

Tucker graduated from A&T with a degree in sociology and went on to get her master’s degree in library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

“At A&T, I learned how to adapt to change rather quickly.  I had professors who challenged me to think outside the box and to look for ways/methods to make a difference in whatever path I took down life’s highway.”

Tucker  is actively involved with the Williamsburg-Peninsula N.C. A&T Alumni Chapter, which supports and works with high school students wishing to attend college.  She is also an active member of the Lamba Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Tucker credits her family for her accomplishments.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of my parents,  Mr. William and Helen Tucker, as well as  my four siblings, Cynthia, Marcia, Derwin and Shelton and brother-in-law Joseph.”

“I especially thank my father, my hero, who at the age of 83 still continues to volunteer his time each month to help others in his community.  He taught all of us, “Your actions speak louder than words.”