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CHICAGO – Through the generosity of its sponsors, the Public Library Association (PLA) is proud to offer ten awards and grants for 2019. The PLA Awards are designed to highlight the best in public library service and programming and to honor those bringing innovation, creativity and dedication to public libraries.

The PLA Awards & Grants for 2019 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.
• , honoring a library worker, librarian or library that has used technology as a tool to improve services.
• , 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 ability to identify community needs specifically in times of crisis and division, and respond in creative and exemplary ways to critical challenges.
• , recognizing a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community.

Participation in the PLA Awards brings numerous benefits. Aside from the award plaques, grants, and honoraria, the winners and their libraries are recognized through PLA communications. Award recipients will also be honored during a special presentation at the PLA Member Breakfast at the 2019 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Washington, DC. to learn about our 2018 award recipients.

Orange County (Fla.) Library System [OCLS] received the 2018 Upstart Library Innovation Award for its BizKids program, which promotes youth entrepreneurship by teaching basic job and business skills to children.

“Winning the Upstart Innovation Award has been a good thing for us!” remarks OCLS Director & CEO Mary Anne Hodel, who also was honored with the 2018 Charlie Robinson Award. “It’s great to receive recognition from our peers, and the award gives us greater standing in our community. In fact, visitors to the library notice the plaque on display and comment on it all the time.”

PLA could not offer these awards without the generosity of its sponsors. PLA’s 2019 Awards are sponsored by Baker & Taylor, DEMCO, EBSCO, Romance Writers of America, The Singer Group (now part of Segal Waters Consulting), and Upstart.

P and nominate yourself, a colleague, or your library. The will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. An award jury appointed by the PLA President will review each nomination, and the results will be announced in February. For more information, contact the PLA office, (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA or by email pla@ala.org.

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About PLA

PLA is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 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. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

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