Rationale
This annual award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding local contribution in library services to young people in his/her community by creating and implementing library programs that promote a love of literature and instill positive feelings about libraries.

Eligibility
The recipient should be an individual working directly with children in a library setting. Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Nominees need not be a personal member of ILA. Members of the Youth Services Forum's Awards Committee and Youth Services Forum Officers cannot nominate an individual for this award.

Selection Process
The Youth Services Forum's Awards Committee selects the recipient. The Committee must work with the nominations received in accordance with the established timetable. In the event that no deserving nominations are received, Committee members may then not nominate a recipient.

Criteria
The nomination should consist of the completed ILA nomination form and a written statement of no more than four pages. The written statement should include:

• Examples of innovative and dynamic programs for youth up to eighth grade initiated and presented by nominee within the past two years
• How such programs have benefited the library and its community
• Why the nominee deserves this award

Optional: A maximum of three pages of supporting pictures and a maximum of five promotional flyers may also be included; however, the nominator must include six copies of each such support document with their nomination. Support materials should be in a format that can be sent electronically.

Award
The recipient will receive a one year personal membership to ILA (if already a personal member, he/she will receive a free one year renewal of his/her membership), and a $150 financial award.

Sponsor Contact
Rob Zimmers
Quality Books Inc.
1003 W. Pines Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061
phone: (815) 732-4450
fax: (815) 732-4499
e-mail: robert.zimmers@quality-books.com

Rob Zimmers of Quality Books presents check and pays for one year ILA personal membership or free one year renewal.