Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award winner named

Contact: Cheryl Malden


312-280-3247


cmalden@ala.org

ALA News Release


For Immediate Release

August 2000

Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award winner named

The American Library Association (ALA) has announced the Bad Axe (Mich.) Public Library as the winner of the first Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award for their program “Postcards From The Future.”

The cash award of $5,000 and a citation, sponsored by the Marshall Cavendish Corporation, recognizes either a school or public library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by providing programs that have community impact and respond to community needs.

Bad Axe is a community of approximately 3,500 residents whose library staff has developed a unique way to promote literacy proactively, rather than remedially, as part of a multi-agency effort to promote a sense of community among the residents.

"Postcards From The Future" consists of a multi-step, multiyear program in which mail is sent to the parents "from" their child. Mail is sent every six months from the time a child is four to six months until the child is age three. Postcards From The Future is a simple, inexpensive, positive way for the library to encourage literacy, market its services and promote community spirit on an ongoing basis.

The award was presented at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.