91´«Ã½

PHILADELPHIA – The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), is accepting applications for the Baker & Taylor Awards, given to Friends of the Library groups. Applications are due May 2, 2011.

Given annually since 2000, the Baker & Taylor Awards have recognized more than 40 Friends of the Library groups for outstanding efforts to support their library. The three winning Friends groups for 2010 will be recognized during the ALTAFF Gala Author Tea at the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in New Or­leans in June.

The awards will be given based on a specific project that took place or culminated during the 2010 calendar year or for outstanding activities by a Friends group during 2010; an application can be made based on one specific program that was particularly successful, or on behalf of the group’s activities for the entire year. Applications are judged on planning, implementation, evaluation, innovation and community involvement.

Applicants must be Friends Group Members, valid through June 2011. Please contact ALTAFF to verify your eligibility prior to preparing your entry. The application form is available at . Here you will also find summaries of past award-winning projects.

ALTAFF is a division of the 91´«Ã½ that supports citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. ALTAFF brings together library Trustees, advocates, Friends, and Foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit , or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org