Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award named

Contact: Cheryl Malden


312-280-3247

cmalden@ala.org


For Immediate Release


April 17, 2002

Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award named

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that the Houston Public Library is the winner of Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award, sponsored by the Marshall Cavendish Corporation. The annual award of $5,000 and a citation recognizes either a school or public library which demonstrates excellence in library programming by providing programs which have community impact and respond to community needs.

The library was selected for their program Libros y Más (Books and More). The program was started to attract Hispanic children and families to the library. With this program they have expanded their Spanish language and bilingual book collections throughout the entire library system. The library has integrated all components of Libros y Más into its Summer Reading Program and Library Theme Weeks/Months including Hispanic Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo.

The Houston Public Library partnered with organizations, including museums, theatre groups and dance troupes to offer such programs as creative writing workshops, taught by Latino writers group Nuestra Palabra; Artist-in-Residence classes, taught by artist Antonio Briones III; video production seminars, web camps and interactive science workshops.

"A model program for bringing underserved diverse segments of the local citizenry into the public library," said Chair Charles Beard. "Libros y Más provides a focused program of informational, educational, recreational and cultural enrichment opportunities for Hispanics of all ages throughout Houston and the surrounding region."

The Marshall Cavendish Award will be presented Tuesday, June 18, during the ALA Annual Conference in Atlanta.