Viviana was a good friend to FAVL, to libraries, and especially to reading of children’s books around the world. Her regular issues of Takam Tikou were much appreciated. Here is the message from Gerald Leitner, Secretary General, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of our dear colleague, Viviana Quiñones, on 16 December. Originally from Argentina, Viviana lived much of her life in France. She was passionate about services for children and young adults and an advocate for libraries. Her work as International Officer at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and particularly in the National Centre for Children’s Literature, where she first started working in 1987, put her in contact with children’s librarians throughout the French-speaking world. She was deeply convinced of the importance of access to information and libraries as a means of human development. She will be remembered for her dedication to cooperation with African librarians serving young people. Her many activities included a professional journal, training and seminars in many countries, and projects like the “World through Picture Books” publication and exhibition.She was involved with IFLA for over 16 years, particularly in the Children and Young Adults Section where she held positions as Secretary and Chair of the Section. She brought her interests in capacity building to IFLA’s Library Development Committee which focused on advocacy and development. Viviana was a member of the IFLA Governing Board from 2015 – 2017 as Chair of Division III and was then elected to the Board for a second term from 2017 – 2019. She will be remembered for her vivacity, concern for others and fighting spirit. On behalf of the IFLA Governing Board and IFLA family, I send our condolences to her family, friends and many colleagues around the world. Gerald Leitner