From: Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System
Southern Tier Library System
Honoring librarians and citizens for good work is always a pleasure. This is one particular thing I enjoy about my position. Our members work hard, so it is important we recognize their contributions. Regularly, I see wonderful things happen. It might be a new library building in Fillmore, fundraising efforts in Hector, outreach in Cohocton, homeschooling in Howard, maker spaces in Elmira, community partnerships in Corning, bike repair stations in Penn Yan, a farmers market in Montour Falls, local history in Rushford, story time in Branchport, horse & buggy parking spaces in Dundee or podcasts in Wellsville.
These are just a few examples that come to mind. I could easily reference all 48 Southern Tier libraries and their communities. I know about these fantastic library "things" not because it is my job, but because they make an impact in people's lives.
This week we announce the 2017 Awards and Scholarships for STLS member libraries. Below you will find information about how you can nominate directors, trustees, volunteers and libraries for solid deeds. We hope you will make this information available to your entire community? And, please spread the word within your libraries. Let's shed light on your 2017 efforts!
2017 LIBRARY SYSTEM AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting and Conference
presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting and Conference
Outstanding Library Advocate Award
The Outstanding Library Advocate Award recognizes a person who has made extraordinary contributions to the development, improvement or expansion of library service to the residents of the Southern Tier Library System. The award also encourages and rewards the fine tradition of citizenship and excellence.
Eligible Candidates: Trustees, Volunteers and Advocates for Member Libraries
Library Volunteer Award
The Library Volunteer Award recognizes a person within a member library that assists member librarians or board members in the day to day operations of the library. The award takes a particular interest in volunteers that go above and beyond to make their library a special place. Eligible Candidates: Operational Volunteers.
Library Director AwardThis award recognizes an STLS member library director that demonstrates an overall commitment to the betterment of their public library based on current and innovative practices. Nominees can be nominated by library boards, patrons, staff and volunteers. The nomination can be based on a recent project that increased the library's ability to bring in new community members or provide outreach to community groups. Eligible Candidates: Library Directors of Member Libraries
Best Use of Social Media AwardThis award will be presented to an STLS member library, or member library's "friends group" that demonstrates an effective use of social media to promote library services, engage library users, or disseminate information about library advocacy initiatives. Nominations can be based on a single social media post that generated many "likes", "comments", "shares" or "followers". Nominations may also incorporate a string of social media posts linked to a specific library project or initiative. The successful entry will demonstrate a high-level of engagement with social media followers.
Eligible Candidates: Member libraries and member libraries' "friends groups"
2017 NYLA ScholarshipsSTLS will offer five scholarships in 2017 to member librarians. Scholarships will provide an expense reimbursement up to $1,000 for the 2017 NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. Scholarships will cover hotel for 3 nights, mileage reimbursement to and from Saratoga Springs, and conference registration. Scholarship winners are required to participate in a post-conference wrap-up where they share conference experiences with other STLS member librarians.
How to Apply: Award nominations can be sent to STLS via STLS Delivery, email or US Mail. They should be sent attention to: STLS Public Relations Committee, 9424 Scott Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 (chatlanie@stls.org). Award nominations can be in the form of a 1-2 page letter stating the reason for the nomination. Supporting letters from community members, staff, patrons, trustees and volunteers can accompany the initial nomination letter.
How to Apply: Award nominations can be sent to STLS via STLS Delivery, email or US Mail. They should be sent attention to: STLS Public Relations Committee, 9424 Scott Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 (chatlanie@stls.org). Award nominations can be in the form of a 1-2 page letter stating the reason for the nomination. Supporting letters from community members, staff, patrons, trustees and volunteers can accompany the initial nomination letter.
For scholarships, STLS member librarians (directors and/or staff) can apply in the form of a letter (2 page maximum), and include:
* Why you wish to attend the Conference
* How you plan to integrate the experience into your work
* How you plan to share your experience with your fellow professionals
* How the award will influence your professional goals.
* Why you wish to attend the Conference
* How you plan to integrate the experience into your work
* How you plan to share your experience with your fellow professionals
* How the award will influence your professional goals.
Nominations and scholarship applications are due Friday, June 23, 2017 at STLS Headquarters. Feel free to call or write with questions.
Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System