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Patrick Jones named Scholastic Library Publishing Award winner
Contact: Cheryl Malden
Program Officer
312-280-3247
cmalden@ala.org
For Immediate Release
March 14, 2006

Patrick Jones named Scholastic Library Publishing Award winner

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that Patrick Jones is the recipient of the 52nd annual Scholastic Library Publishing Award (formerly known as the Grolier Foundation Award). The award is given annually to a librarian who has made extraordinary contributions that promote access to books, encourage a love of reading for lifelong learning, and exemplify outstanding achievement in the profession.

Jones is widely renowned as an expert in library services to young adults, and has devoted his career to library services for youth. He has made an exceptional contribution to teen literacy efforts through both publications and presentations. His “Connecting Young Adults and Libraries” (3rd edition, 2004) is the primary textbook for young adult services courses at most library science programs.

An author and consultant, Jones has consistently focused on putting the reader first. His work both with and for other library professionals, and directly with youth, epitomizes his passion for connecting youth with books. His numerous accomplishments include:

  • Extensive writing on public library services to teens as well as two novels for young adults.

  • Participation as chairman and also a member on a variety of committees with the American Library Association (ALA), Public Library Association (PLA), Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC).

  • Presentation of over two hundred youth services training sessions throughout the United States and beyond, many focused on promoting reading and library use among the young.

  • Work at Houston Public Library on projects honored with American Library Association, John Cotton Dana Award, 1999 (Power Card Challenge) Young Adult Library Services Association, Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, 1999 (ASPIRE), and Texas Library Association, Project of the Year 1999 (Power Card Challenge)

  • Awards of several grants to provide writing workshops for incarcerated students and funds for the publication of their poetry and essays in a literary journal now in its seventh edition.

  • Consultant for numerous libraries and projects.

  • Development of and trainer for YALSA’s Serving the Underserved Training program.

Jones will receive a citation and a $1,000 prize donated by Scholastic Library Publishing on June 27, 2006, during the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

“The jury was very impressed with the scope and depth of Mr. Jones’ accomplishments and felt he was deserving of receiving this prestigious award,” said Jury Chair Lydia Acosta.

“Patrick Jones’ outstanding library programs demonstrate the essential impact that an innovative library media specialist can have on a school and community,” said Greg Worrell, president of Scholastic Library Publishing. “Scholastic Library Publishing is proud to honor Mr. Jones and to support the work of librarians like him, who are committed to creating an environment where young people can develop a love of learning.”

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from the University of Michigan-Flint, and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan. He is a member of ALSC, PLA and YALSA, all divisions of the ALA.

Members of the 2006 Scholastic Library Publishing Award Jury are: Lydia Acosta, East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Baton Rouge, La.; Anne Heidemann, Chippewa River District Library, Mount Pleasant, Mich.; Dora T. Ho, Los Angeles Public Library; Lynn M. Moses, Lynn M. Moses, Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Harrisburg, Pa.; and Ann K. Symons, Anglo American School Moscow, Finland.

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, creates a multitude of products, both in print and online, for the school and public library market under the imprints of Grolier, Children’s Press, Franklin Watts, and Grolier Online.


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