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CHICAGO—Library users have through Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 to nominate their favorite librarians for the ¾«¶«´«Ã½’s (ALA) esteemed I Love My Librarian Award. Nominations can be made . The national award recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding public, school, college, community college or university librarians who have gone above and beyond for their communities.



Librarians across the country have been doing exceptional work during the COVID-19 pandemic, from hosting virtual programs and providing remote reference assistance to expanding internet access in underserved areas. Library users are encouraged to submit nominations explaining how their librarians continue to serve their communities during these challenging times.



Ten librarians will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award and $750 gift for their library in recognition of their public service contributions. They will also be honored during ALA’s Virtual Midwinter Meeting at an online ceremony on Jan. 23, 2021 and receive complimentary registration to the conference.



Last year’s included a school librarian who helps rural students discover new worlds through virtual reality technology, an academic librarian who leads a first-of-its-kind book club for adults with intellectual disabilities and a public librarian who created an innovative resource center for refugees and immigrants.



Since the award was established in 2008, library users nationwide have submitted more than 20,000 nominations detailing how librarians transformed their communities’ inclusivity, digital access and literacy. Over the last decade, only 120 librarians have received this prestigious honor.



To be eligible for the award, each nominee must hold a master’s degree in library and information studies from a program accredited by the ¾«¶«´«Ã½or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Each nominee must be currently working as a librarian, or have been employed as a librarian on March 1, 2020, at a qualifying institution in the United States: public library, library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or library at an accredited K-12 school.



The philanthropic foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York has generously sponsored the I Love My Librarian Award since its inception. The New York Public Library is also a supporter of the award. The ¾«¶«´«Ã½administers the award through its Communications and Marketing Office, which promotes the value of libraries and librarians.



About Carnegie Corporation of New York

Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mandate, the Corporation's work focuses on the issues that Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and a strong democracy.



About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves nearly 17 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at . To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.



About the ¾«¶«´«Ã½

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.