Lippincott Award benefactor dies

Contact: Cheryl Malden


312-280-3247

cmalden@ala.org

For Immediate Release


February 10, 2003

Lippincott Award benefactor dies

Joseph Wharton Lippincott Jr., benefactor of the American Library Association's (ALA) Joseph W. Lippincott Award, died Saturday, January 25, 2003, in Bryn Mawr, Pa. He was 88.

The Lippincott Award, begun by his father in 1937, honors a librarian for distinguished service to the profession of librarianship, including outstanding participation in the activities of the professional library association, notable published professional writing, or other significant activity on behalf of the profession and its aims. Presented annually, the prestigious award consists of $1,000 and a 24k gold-framed citation.

A strong supporter of education and libraries in Pennsylvania, Lippincott attended the annual meetings of ALA to present the Lippincott Award.

"Mr. Lippincott was a vocal and committed library advocate, and he will be greatly missed," said ALA President Maurice J. (Mitch) Freedman. "Our hearts go out to his family."

Lippincott was the last president and chairman of the J. B. Lippincott Company, an independent Philadelphia publisher. He served in leadership positions at numerous public and college libraries, including the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr.

Members interested in making a donation to the Lippincott Award endowment in his memory may contact the ALA Development Office at 800-545-2433 x5050,
lcastle@ala.org or visit the
ALA Tribute Fund.

For more information on the Lippincott Award visit the
Recognition Awards Web page.