Poet and translator Robert Hedin, the founding director of the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Red Wing, Minn., is this year's Kay Sexton Award winner.

Hedin is the author, translator or editor of more than 20 books of poetry and prose. He has received two Minnesota Book Awards and has been the co-editor of the Great River Review since 1997. The Anderson Center, a rertreat for writers and artists, also hosts a number of literary events each year, including an annual celebration of children's books held each fall.

The award goes to a Minnesotan who has devoted a lifetime to books, reading and the written word.

Hedin will receive the award on April 13, at the 25th annual Minnesota Book Awards gala event in downtown Minneapolis.