Calling all public libraries serving communities of 25,000 or less!
Library Journal is now accepting applications for the Best Small Library in America Award.
Library Journal‘s award for the Best Small Library in America was founded in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of these libraries. Sponsored by the Junior Library Guild, this year’s award will honor the U.S. public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less.
The deadline to nominate your library is March 31, 2026.
This is an amazing opportunity to show off your great rural or small library. Anyone can nominate a library – the library administration itself, patrons, members of the community, library peers, etc.
Judges want to hear about how, in the last two years, you have raised the profile of the library in your community, reached out to new users and remote users, impacted literacy in the community, and used technology to support and grow patron access to materials and information. Share your innovative approaches to traditional problems, including seemingly small fixes that work, and specific innovations that can be readily adopted by other libraries of all sizes.
The winning library will be featured in the August 2026 issue of Library Journal and online.
Nominate your favorite Nebraska public library today! Learn more about the guidelines and submit your nomination on the Best Small Library in America Award website.
