PLA Awards and Honors

Application Deadline (date of postmark): December 1, 2003.

PLA awards and honors are designed to highlight the best in public library service. To get application forms, please do one of the following:

Click on the award name below to see the full guidelines posted online. You may print out application forms yourself and mail (with all required copies) to PLA (Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron, Chicago IL 60611); or
Click in the “checkbox” next to the award name on the list below. Then scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form. Click on the “submit” button to send this information to our office and we will mail the selected application forms to your address; or
Contact the PLA office for a specific award form. 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5026.

Past recipients of PLA Awards and Grants - PDF File

ADVANCEMENT OF LITERACY AWARD honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group (i.e., not an individual) that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy. A plaque is awarded annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1984. Sponsored by Library Journal.
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ALLIE BETH MARTIN AWARD honors 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. A plaque and a $3,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1977 in honor of Allie Beth Martin. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
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BAKER & TAYLOR ENTERTAINMENT AUDIO MUSIC / VIDEO PRODUCT AWARD is designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand a collection of either or both formats in whatever proportion the library chooses. The grant consists of $2,500 of Audio Music or Video Products. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
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CHARLIE ROBINSON AWARD honors a public library director who, over a period of seven (7) years, has been a risk taker, an innovator and/or a change agent in a public library. The recipient should have been active in national and other professional associations and be known for developing and implementing programs which are responsive to the needs of community residents. The award consists of $1,000 and a gift. The public library director will be honored at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1997. Sponsored by the Baker & Taylor Company.
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DEMCO CREATIVE MERCHANDISING GRANT provides cash and supplies to a public library proposing a project for the creative display and merchandising of materials either in the library or in the community. The grant consists of $1,000 cash and $2,000 worth of display furniture or supplies ordered through Demco, Inc. in conjunction with the grant project. The public library will be honored at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1996. Sponsored by Demco, Inc.
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EXCELLENCE IN SMALL AND/OR RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE AWARD honors a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. A plaque and a $1,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1991. Sponsored by EBSCO Subscription Services.
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THE HIGHSMITH LIBRARY INNOVATION AWARD recognizes a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community. (As part of the evaluation process with the vendor, after three years the emphasis may change to reflect new trends and needs.) A plaque and a $2,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1996. Sponsored by Highsmith Inc.
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NEW LEADERS TRAVEL GRANT is designed to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. Plaques and travel grants of up to $1,500 per applicant are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1993. Sponsored by GEAC Inc.
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To e-mail a request for any awards checked above, fill out this form, then click on the “submit” button below.

first name

last name

organization*

address

city

state

zip

phone

email

* optional if you prefer applications to be sent to home address