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CHICAGO — Patricia Uttaro has been selected to receive the 2021 Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children. The award, sponsored by the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA), annually recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional understanding and support of public library service to children while maintaining administrative responsibilities.

Patricia Uttaro was selected for the work she has accomplished in fulfilling her belief that learning to read and reading to learn are the most basic yet essential skills for a person to thrive, prosper and enjoy a successful life. Uttaro has skillfully administered libraries for the past twenty-five years supporting expansion of library services and empowerment of library staff. Through her efforts, the Monroe County Library System and Rochester Public Library have been able to expand and share expertise in early literacy training for librarians, teachers, and caregivers throughout the country. Uttaro has consistently advocated to remove barriers to access through eliminating late fees on children’s and young adult materials. Uttaro’s leadership has modeled serving through engagement in the community and in meeting the needs of all community members.

The award will be presented virtually during the 2021 ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Annual Conference.

More information about the Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to children including how to submit a is available at the ¾«¶«´«Ã½website ().

The 2021 Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children jury members include: Alice Knapp, Ferguson Library; Sue Pekel, Bentonville Public Library; Christopher Proctor, Indiana University Southeast Library; Brian Rogers, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and, Dr. Safi Safiullah, Salt Lake City Public Library.