Win $1,000 for Your Library! Apply for a Baker & Taylor Award for Friends Groups and Library Foundations

From United for Libraries: Two Friends groups and/or library Foundations will be recognized with Baker & Taylor Awards for their outstanding efforts to support their library during the year 2018. Given annually since 2000, the Baker & Taylor Awards have recognized more than 42 groups around the country. Winning groups receive $1,000. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2019, so now is the time to think about your group’s activities in 2018 with an eye on winning $1,000. The awards will be given based on a specific project that took place or culminated during the 2018 calendar year. Applicants must be Friends or Foundation group members of United for Libraries through June 2018. Please contact United for Libraries to verify eligibility prior to preparing an entry. Groups may apply in any of the following categories:

• Public Library Friends Group or Library Foundation with assistance from paid staff (employed by library or Friends group).
• Public Library Friends Group or Library Foundation without paid staff.
• Academic Friends Group; School Library, Media Center, or Special Library Friends Group; State Friends Group.

Groups can apply at http://www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/bakertaylor Entries should include a two-page summary, any additional background information, and a signed copy of the official release form (available online with the application). Entries must be submitted no later than May 1, 2019. Supporting materials (press releases, photographs, clippings, promotional materials, etc.) may be submitted. Entries will be evaluated with these areas taken into consideration:

1. Planning: Friends/Foundation, library, and community involvement, use of resources, appropriateness of the activity, and measurable goals and objectives.
2. Implementation: Use of resources, public relations, task monitoring, and broad membership involvement.
3. Evaluation: Assessment of activity or program, measurable results.
4. Innovation: New idea or implementation, creative involvement of people, fresh use of public relations.
5. Community Involvement: Broad support by the community in planning and implementation.

To learn more about past award-winning projects, visit http://www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/bakertaylor