91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Through the generosity of sponsors, the Public Library Association (PLA) is offering nine awards/grants designed to highlight the best in public library service and to honor those bringing innovation, creativity and dedication to public libraries. Many of the awards include an honorarium; and nominate yourself, your colleague or your library through Dec. 5, 2016.

The awards include:

• , honoring a public librarian who has demonstrated extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books or other library materials and has the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
• , promoting the development of a circulating audio music/video collection in a public library.
• , honoring a public library director who, over a period of seven years, has been a risk taker, an innovator and/or a change agent in a public library. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
• , enhancing the professional development of new public librarians by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities.
• , honoring a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less with an upper per capita income limit of not more than the 75th quartile of the national average that demonstrates excellence of service to its community.
• , honoring a public library staff member, library trustee or public library that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights. Sponsored by Library Systems & Services LLC.
• , honoring a library worker, librarian or library that has used technology as a tool to improve services. Sponsored by Innovative.
• , providing a public library the opportunity to build or expand its romance fiction collection and/or host romance fiction programming.
• , recognizing a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community.

The is open from now until 11:59 p.m. CT on Dec. 5, 2016. An award jury appointed by the PLA President will review each nomination. Winners will be announced in February 2017, and awards will be presented at the 2017 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago. For more information, contact the PLA office, (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA or by email pla@ala.org.

The (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders.