Did we mention the free money?

PLA Awards honor excellence in public library service by recognizing libraries and individuals whose service to the community is extraordinary. Be sure not to wait until the last minute to apply for a PLA Award. Many awards include significant cash prizes and are highly competitive.

The deadline for all applications is December 3, 2007.

• Advancement of Literacy Award, honoring a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy;
• Allie Beth Martin Award, $3,000 honorarium, honoring a librarian who, in a public library setting, has demonstrated extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books or other library materials and has distinguished ability to share that knowledge;
• Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Award, $2,500 in Audio Music or Video products to promote the development of a circulating collection in a public library;
• Charlie Robinson Award, $1,000 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;
• DEMCO New Leaders Travel Grant, up to $1,500, enhances the professional development of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities;
• EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Library Service Award, $1,000 honorarium to a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community;
• Gordon M. Conable Award, $1,500 to a public library staff member, library trustee, or public library that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights;
• Grow Your Own @ your library Institutional Scholarship, $8,000 in reimbursement of public libraries employees’ course tuition costs at the undergraduate or graduate level;
• Highsmith Library Innovation Award, $2,000 recognizing a library’s innovative and creative service program to the community.

Questions? Contact the PLA Office at .