DLA

Awards & Citations

2024 DLA Awards & Citations

The Delaware Library Association (DLA) presents the following awards and citations (listed below). Recommendations may be submitted by members of the DLA or by any citizen of the state of Delaware. Contact Katie McDonough (katie.mcdonough AT lib.de.us), Chair of the DLA Scholarships, Awards & Citations Committee, or any member of the Executive Board with questions.

Closing date for nominations for the 2024 DLA Awards & Citations: March 15, 2024.  Awards will be presented at the MLA/DLA Conference in May. To nominate someone for an award, please apply here: Award Application.

Please visit the DASL Awards page for awards specific to school librarians and administrators.

Awards & Citations Descriptions

Community Partnership Award
Nominees recognize the synergies of the DLA’s missions and actively explore innovative ways to broaden and deepen our mutual service to Delawareans, integrate in community lifelong learning and empowerment through classes/workshops and events in public libraries throughout the state, and share our Delaware libraries’ values of sharing resources and events through collaborative efforts and partnerships.

Delaware Library Association Citation
This award is open to any library staff member in Delaware, who is active in supporting library activities and interests by service to the Delaware Library Association in any capacity. This individual should be singled out because of continued service in elected or appointed positions on the Executive Board, advisory committees, standing committees, and ad hoc committees which serve the Delaware Library Association.

Distinguished Library Staff Citation
This award is to be given for extraordinary library information or media services in a given year.

Distinguished Service Citation
This citation is given to any person, except staff and trustees currently employed in any library in the state of Delaware. This individual must have been active in supporting library development and services in the state. This citation would be intended for the individual who, over a period of years, has shown strong support of libraries but who is not professionally engaged in library work.

Library or Institutional Award
This award is to be given to the library or institution which has shown outstanding merit in serving its patrons and community by unusual programs or activities.

Life Member
Members who have retired from active library work and are elected by the Executive Board. Names of DLA members, who have retired from active library work, may be submitted to the Executive Board of the Association for consideration for the appointment of Life Member in DLA. These individuals must have contributed to librarianship or a closely related field in the state of Delaware. Their contribution or achievement in the field should be significant.

Media Award
This award is to be given for outstanding reporting on Delaware libraries.

Trustee Citation
This citation to be given to a library trustee who has contributed significantly to the development, support, and appreciation of a local library, regardless of the size of the institution.

Emerging Leader Award
This award is to be given to a library staff person who has made significant contributions to Delaware Libraries and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service.

Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is to be given to a volunteer in recognition of their extraordinary service and dedication to a local library and/or to Delaware Libraries.

DLA Scholarship and Award History and Recipients

DLA Award Winner History (since 2014)

2021 DLA Scholarship Recipients

Other Awards Available

Blue Hen Book Award
The Blue Hen Book Award is a children’s choice award sponsored by the Youth Services Division of DLA. The purpose of the award is to encourage literacy and library use by children. For information on current award nominees and previous winners, visit the Blue Hen Libguide.

DASL Awards 
https://dla.lib.de.us/awards-citations/dasl-awards/