2007 Public Service Award

(Right) FOLUSA Vice President John Carson watches as Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) receives the FOLUSA Public Service Award.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) is the 2007 recipient of the Friends of Libraries U.S.A. Public Service Award. Recognized for her work on behalf of literacy and libraries, Senator Collins said, "This honor is very special to me. I know the importance of libraries in schools and in communities and I will continue to work for their full funding."

Senator Collins was selected because of her advocacy of full funding ($171 million) for Grants to State Library Agencies, increased funding for the Library Services and Technology Act, and for significantly increased funding for Improving Literacy through School Libraries program.

In a letter co-signed with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Senator Collins said, "Federal library funding is helping library users access essential information on a wide range of topics. It provides training on resume development; help on web searches of job banks; workshops on career information; links to essential educational and community services; assistive devices for people with disabilities; family literacy classes; homework help and mentoring programs; books and resources to support adults and children dealing with loss; access to e-government; a forum for enhanced civic engagement; and so much more."

The 2007 Public Service Award was presented to Senator Collins at Library Legislative Day sponsored by the Washington Office of the American Library Association. Over 200 librarians and library supporters were in the audience to thank Collins for her support. In addition, Maine State Librarian Gary Nichols was present along with other Maine librarians to help present the award.