2015 Baker & Taylor Award Winners

Two groups have been recognized with United for Libraries’ Baker & Taylor Awards in 2015 for outstanding efforts to support their library. The Friends of the Nampa (Idaho) Public Library and the Huntley (Ill.) Area Public Library District Friends Foundation are this year’s winners. Each group receives $1,000 and a clock from Baker & Taylor to honor their achievements.

The Friends of the Nampa (Idaho) Public Library and the Huntley (Ill.) Area Public Library District Friends Foundation receive 2015 Baker & Taylor Awards

Two groups have been recognized with United for Libraries’ Baker & Taylor Awards for outstanding efforts to support their library. Each group receives $1,000 and a clock from Baker & Taylor to honor their achievements.

The Friends of the Nampa Public Library worked with the library staff to build a Friends group to match the library’s momentum. While advocating for a new library building, the Friends underwent extensive planning and training to open a successful Friends bookstore within the new library, which opened in 2015.

Years ago, the Huntley (Ill.) Area Public Library District Friends Foundation hosted golf fundraisers that brought in $10,000, but could not get the momentum back for a similar fundraiser after the economy spiraled. They decided to revamp the idea with a mini golf fundraiser within the library, which would also meet the goal of attracting young people to the library. The Friends found sponsors and hosted it as a back-to-school event in August. The event is a favorite because it brings together golfers of all ages, Friends, community members, and businesses in support of the library.