Three groups win United for Libraries’ Baker & Taylor Awards

PHILADELPHIA — Three groups have been recognized with United for Libraries’ Baker & Taylor Awards for outstanding efforts to support their library. This year’s winners are Friends of the Weber County Library (Ogden, Utah), Friends of the Peoria (Ariz.) Public Library and Danville (Ill.) Library Foundation. Each group receives $1,000 and a clock from Baker & Taylor to honor their achievements.

From April to June 2013, the Friends of the Weber County Library conducted a public relations campaign, “Libraries Change Lives,” to educate voters about a $45 million general obligation bond, the largest in county history. The funding will build new facilities and transform existing libraries into “third space” community platforms for knowledge creation and sharing. The bond initiative passed by a majority vote of 54 percent in a political environment hostile to tax increases.

The Friends of the Peoria Public Library worked within the library system and community to bring free science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) educational programming to local 6- to 12-year-olds and their families. Through networking and relationship-building, the Friends have ensured that the programs are free. Their 2013 efforts resulted in 25 programs with more than 4,100 attendees.

Danville Library Foundation hosted the third annual “From Page to Stage” fundraiser, in which 100 local singers and performers brought stories from books to life. More than 175 people attended the fundraiser, which raised just under $60,000. The theme centered on stories of the masks people wear, both literally and figuratively.

In addition, the Friends of the Novi (Mich.) Public Library and Friends of the Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library earned honorable mentions for their efforts to support their libraries. The Friends of the Novi Public Library coordinated a successful free family concert series, “Listen @ the Library,” featuring the Chamber Music Society of Detroit. The Friends of the Kansas City Public Library hosted its first Young Adult Literature Festival, featuring Rainbow Rowell, John Green, and Jacqueline Woodson, to benefit summer reading.

United for Libraries has given Baker & Taylor Awards since 2000. Baker & Taylor is a leading distributor of books, videos and music products to libraries, institutions and retailers. For more information about Baker & Taylor Awards, and a detailed description of the award-winning programs, visit http://www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/bakertaylor.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries 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 or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or united@ala.org.