South Central Regional Library Council 2026 Awards Call for Nominations
Nomination Deadline is Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 4:00 PM
Please consider nominating a colleague or SCRLC member for an award to express your appreciation for their accomplishments, and to lift everyone’s spirits!
The nomination process is easy: Complete the Google form, or request a word doc, if you prefer.
Awards will be presented at SCRLC’s Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, October 20th at the Corning Museum of Glass.
SCRLC AWARD CATEGORIES:
SCRLC MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Presented to a SCRLC member library, library system, hospital, or cultural organization that has been doing outstanding work on behalf of their community, however “community” is defined.
EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
Presented to outstanding staff—directors, librarians, assistants, cultural organization workers--who are doing amazing work that makes a difference in their community, however “community” is defined.
DEFENDER OF INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
Intellectual freedom is crucial in a democracy. This award acknowledges the strong and important work that a director, librarian, assistant, cultural organization worker, or community member has engaged in over the past year. A few examples: Standing up against book banning, helping to create policies in support of intellectual freedom, serving on panels, or providing testimony.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
For a library, library system, hospital, or cultural organization that has successfully engaged the community—maybe through a special program, series, or a marketing campaign. Perhaps through a fun and engaging video! Maybe through an outstanding exhibit! Do send samples or links!
PRISM AWARD FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, JUSTICE & ACCESSIBILITY
For a director, librarian, assistant, cultural organization worker—or their organization—who did strong work in advancing DEIJA this past year. A few examples: Conducting a DEI audit, implementing structural changes, actively becoming antiracist, launching an inclusive exhibit, reimagining policies to be inclusive, updating classification numbers, or offering a diverse workshop series or program.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
For a director, librarian, assistant, cultural organization worker—or their organization. This award celebrates a commitment to sustainability through activities that are equitable and inclusive, environmentally sound, and economically feasible. A few examples: Installing solar panels, geothermal systems, bike racks, community gardens, or food solutions, offering programs related to sustainability, participating in climate relief, forging a new community partnership, making efforts to go paperless, or mitigating the organization’s carbon footprint.
