Benefactor Awards:
Lowe’s Home Improvement   Presenter: John Pritchard
Praxair Foundation  Presenter: David Paynter

The Benefactor’s Award is given on an irregular basis to an individual or group who has made a significant financial contribution towards the development of public library service.

 Lifetime Achievement Award: Dale Gaddis
Presenter: Bob Fisher

Considered  annually, this award is given to a North Carolina librarian, past or present, who by creativity, fidelity, leadership and professionalism, has increased the quality for library service to all patrons in their community.  This award encompasses the contributions of an individual(s) over an entire career or lifetime.

Library Trustee of the Year: Mary Hatcher
Presenter: David Paynter

Considered annually, the Library Trustee of the Year is given to a trustee, past or present, who has significantly benefitted his/her library by the strength of his/her service. This trustee has provided leadership, creativity, and inspiration while serving on the board and has contributed in a significant manner to the accomplishment of the library’s mission.

Library Corporate Champions:  Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Book Wholesalers, Inc., EBSCO, The Gale Group, Mumford Library Books
Presenters: Anna Yount / Nancy Bates

Special Recognition Awards:

Outstanding Leadership: Sandra M. Cooper
Powerful Partner: North Carolina Library Association and NCLA President, Ross Holt
Presenters: Anna Yount / Nancy Bates 

Library Director of the Year: Martha Turney, Nash-Braswell Memorial Library
Presenter: Phillip Barton

Considered annually, this award is given to a current library director who has contributed to the growth and development of their library by providing leadership, inspiration and creativity to staff, patrons, and trustees.  By his or her abilities, the public library under his or her direction has succeeded in providing excellent service to their library and/or the library community.

 PROGRAM AWARDS

Large: (Tie)
Cumberland County, “A Celebration of the Arts”

Through the use of storytellling, literature, art, and music, this program brought together children and families who shared in the celebration of the African-American culture.  Thirty-five percent of the culturally diverse Cumberland County population is African-American and through this program children learned about themselves and about others.  They experienced history, celebrated culture and for a few minutes, “stepped into the gallery” of another person’s life.

Davidson County, “Growing in Thomasville”

The Thomasville Library coordinated and actively participated in the celebration of the  city’s 150th anniversary by creating and sponsoring events and displays to involve children in the year long celebration and develop their appreciation for their heritage. Activities included a juried art show called Growing Up in Thomasville. Entries were received from local schools, daycares, homeschoolers, and the local children’s home.  This activity was so popular it was incorporated into the Summer Reading program with a kick-off party of home-style events such as homemade ice cream making and sponge races. Other programs included : picnic storytimes held at the 1870s Depot, Bandstand and Big Chair; Helping Hands that showcased local firemen, police, EMTs, and humane society and an exhibit of photographs of Summer Reading Clubs from the 1940s and 1950s.

Medium:
Orange County- Hyconeechee Regional Library System, “ Chaka -   Crafts, Hobbies, Arts, Kids Activities"

In cooperation with the 4 H Extension, the children’s librarian coordinated a series  of  afterschool programs for children ages 6 - 12 using the medias of crafts, hobbies, art, and kid activities. These programs gave children an opportunity to experience and develop an appreciation of various cultures, holiday traditions while being exposed to special crafts and other activities normally not available to them. The Orange County Arts Commission and Friends of the Library funded the programs.

Small:
Southern Pines, “Getting Ready for Kindergarten”

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS
Presenter: Maureen Fiorello

Large:
Neuse Regional Library, “Teen Read Week”

In celebration of National Teen Read Week and to encourage teen involvement , the Library sponsored a  Fantasy Film Festival that required them to complete several reading and library activities to be eligible for admission and prizes. The program can easily be replicated and adapted for any theme or occasion. To view films and be eligible for prizes, a film ticket had to be obtained by accomplishing tasks related to reading and use of the library and computers. These exercises provided educational opportunities for participants to learn how to use the library, the Internet and encouraged reading.  The program was a cooperative effort involving teachers who often gave extra credit to participants and several local businesses who provided prizes

Medium:
Watagua , Appalachian Regional Library, “Speak Out”

This program is a bimonthly book discussion series that has reached hundreds of one of our most elusive populations - young adults in grades 6 through 8. It actively promotes reading, critical thinking and self-expression as well as fostering better  understanding and communication among students from widely divergent communities within the county. It is also noteworthy for its collaborative nature bringing together the public library, Appalachian State University, public schools, friends of the library, Boone service league and many local businesses. The program was funded in 2000 by LSTA funds but in subsequent years, the collaborators covered materials and food. 

OUTSTANDING ADULT PROGRAMS
Presenter: Cindy Moose

Large: (Tie)

Forsyth, “The Great Experiment: George Washington and the American Republic”.

As the nation struggled to recover from the events of September 11, 2001, George Washington returned to Winston-Salem through a traveling exhibit - he first visited the city in 1791.Displayed during a series of five Sunday afternoon programs, this   stunning visual account of Washington’s life and achievements  brought healing and inspirational reminders of the roles of heroism, patriotism, and democratic values in the building of our great nation. The library was one of only 40 sites selected nationwide for the exhibition which was organized by the Huntington Library in association with the American Library Association.  Additional funding was provided from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History and Mr.and Mrs. Charles T. Munger.

New Hanover, “Cape Fear Crime Festival”

The library in partnership with several local groups organized and held the first annual Cape Crime Festival in October, 2001. The schedule was packed with author readings, book signings, panel discussions, meals with authors, a short story contest, a charity raffle and a tour of an historic cemetery. The goals of the festival were to present an affordable events that would bring popular authors together with their reading public, to assist and encourage new and aspiring authors, and to build Wilmington’s reputation as a place to promote reading. All goals were met as there were 151 participants, 36 authors and 16 volunteers from local mystery book clubs.

Medium:
Braswell Memorial Library, “ In Our Voices”

This reading and discussion series showcased the original works of library patrons.  Writers submitted short manuscripts to a selection committee for consideration and approximately twelve were selected for the series. The discussions led by the Director of the Writing Program at N.C. Wesleyan College covered style, characters, plot, and other literary elements of the works. In Our Voices addressed the many requests for a forum for local writers.  Over the last three years the program has resulted in the submission of over 100 manuscripts and the participation of even more readers in the discussion series. It has offered encouragement and support for local writers providing them with feedback from knowledgeable instructors and interested readers.

Small:
Southern Pines, “Potluck Book Discussions”

Throughout the year, adult readers dined and discussed books at the Southern Pines library.  Patrons attending the seven Tuesday evening programs from September through May came armed with a book they wanted to tell others about and a covered dish that tied in with their selection.One of the favorites was a Halloween inspired choice Horror d’oeuvres:A night of food and fright. One selection was Desperation Eyes” “a cheese cracker”.  The discussions gave patrons and staff the opportunity to share their reading experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.  The participants all agreed that the meetings gave new meaning to the term “tasteful literature”.

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAMS
Presenter: Brenda Stephens

Large:
Forsyth County Library, “Word Up”

A unique first-of-its kind , Work Up is a partnership between the Forsyth County Library, the Winston-Salem Transit Authority and a New York poet.  The concept places poetry inside and outside of the city’s transit buses. The plan also involved schools, youth centers ans senior citizen organizations as contributors of the poetry displayed on the buses.  The project was an excellent fit to the library’s mission of providing equal access to an expertly chosen resource as well as fostering inspiration and the joys of learning and reading.

Medium:
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, “Literature Enrichment Video”

Literature Enrichment is a projected funded through a Smart Start grant and is designed to train child care providers how to enrich their use of literature in the preschool classroom and family homes. Storytellers and library staff present literature enrichment workshops for child care providers and parents of children ages 2-5. The video created by the library’s AV specialist introduces providers to the project and demonstrates how well local Smart Start funds are being utilized.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE INNOVATION
Presenter: Doris Stephens

Large:
High Point Public Library, “JobHunter’s Toolkit”.

This project is an outstanding example of the public library helping the community solve real and practical problems.  The Business Research Department developed the Jobhunter’s Toolkit based upon the need for assistance and encouragement that they perceived in job seekers from the community.  Kits are free to customers who seek assistance with employment information.  Items included in each kit post-it notes with the library phone number and URL, a list of important job sites on the web, a local map and a coupon for a cup of coffee and doughnut from Krispy Kreme.

Medium:
Caldwell County Public Library, “Reading Railroad”.

The library installed a large “G” scale toy train system from the ceiling in the children’s   room with funds from the Friends of the Library. The train consists of 140 ft of dual track and two heavy duty locomotives and cars.  The intent of the train was to provide an exciting and novel attraction to bring children and parents into the library. Beyond that it has been utilized as an integral part of an ongoing reading incentive. The trains are operated by separate remote controls and as a reward for reading a specific number of books based on their age, children can operate the trains.  After five months of operation 1,561 picture books and 141 regular books had been read by children in order to run the train.  This will be a permanent reading incentive.

OUTSTANDING STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Presenter: Nancy Bates

Large:
Northwestern Regional Library, “The Platform: A Workshop Experience for Keepers of the Word”

The Platform allowed for a genuine exchange of ideas among library staff of why libraries are important especially after the events of 9/ll. Campaign committees were chosen to present different campaign proposals that would force participants to really look hard at why libraries, books, and freedom of speech and freedom to view are important aspects of our society. Each committee produced campaign posters, slogans and selected a candidate to present their proposal to the group. This was a great opportunity for staff in this regional system to get to know each other and it recharged and energized participants to provide even better service to the public.

Medium:
Fontana Regional Library, : “PALS Team Development Program”

PALS (Planning and Leadership Support) is a team involved in a long-term development process to create a high performing team capable of working together effectively in this three county regional system. The process has involved monthly full day retreats, discussion, and outside facilitation and has been very successful.  The team has begun to operate as a cohesive unit..  Issues that were problems or challenges such as communications have become smooth and efficient. Team building and group dynamics are ever-evolving issues but PALS has reached a new and higher level of performance and functions in a way not possible a year ago.

OUTSTANDING NEWSLETTER
Presenter: Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin

Large:
Sandhills Regional Library, “Around the Sandhills”

Medium:
Rowan County Public Library, “news, etc.”

This newsletter offers an original design that is eye-catching and readable; it uses photographs to capture the readers attention.  Published monthly it treats hundreds of readers to news about library events, information about issues of concern, pictures of library programs and acknowledgement and thanks to library supporters.An electronic version of the newsletter is available on the Rowan Public Library website. With “news,etc.”, the library is able to provide materials and services that inform, educate, and entertain which is the heart of the mission of the Rowan County Library.

OUTSTANDING IMPROVED FACILITY
Presenter: Bill Snyder

20,000 Sq. Ft. Or More: Braswell Memorial Library

The design of the Braswell Memorial Library is a reflection of its site, its function, and the community it was built to serve. The site is ideal consisting of almost an entire city block surrounded by an assortment of residential, industrial, commercial, and industrial buildings including the old library across the street.  The building committee wanted the building to reflect the history of the area and determined it should not be a high-tech structure of glass and metal.  The 59,462 sq.ft. new building consists of five major components assembled together with the largest being a two-story block housing the main library collection and reading area.  A smaller wing contains Youth Services, Local History, study area, and computer lab.  Non-public service areas including a bookmobile garage , technical and extension services as well as administration are concentrated in a service wing. Those involved in the building program best summed up the process with this quote: “ We learned first-hand that not even Hurricane Floyd could destroy our resolve and the new library stands as a testament to the strength, vision and values of the community. Total cost: $7,975,000.