Two awards highlight notable contributions to Public Libraries journal

CHICAGO—The Public Library Association (PLA) has recognized three authors in the 2011 Public Libraries Feature Article Contest. The contest awards cash prizes to the authors of the best feature articles written by public librarians and published in the previous year’s issues of Public Libraries magazine.

Co-authors Paula Brehm-Heeger, Central Region Library services manager, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (Ohio), and Greg Edwards, library services director, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (Ohio), received first place recognition and a $500 prize. Their article, “Remaking One of the Nation’s Busiest Main Libraries,” which appeared in the September/October 2010 issue of PL, shows how a busy main library was overhauled to create a dynamic, flexible service model.

Robert Rua, assistant marketing director, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library received an honorable mention and $300 for his article “Reconnecting With Reading,” which appeared in the January/February 2010 issue of PL. Rua’s article details an ambitious program at Cuyahoga County Public Library that focuses on books and reading as well as increasing circulation of print materials.

Public Libraries, the official journal of PLA, is peer-written, peer-reviewed, and published six times a year. A subscription to the renowned journal is a premier benefit of PLA membership or can be purchased separately for $65. There is also an online companion, www.publiclibrariesonline.org, which features selections from the printed journal as well as exclusive columns.

Brehm-Heeger, Edwards and Rua were chosen by a committee comprised of PLA members. PLA and PLA President, Audra Caplan will recognize the winners during the PLA President’s Program and Awards Presentation featuring David Simon and Laura Lippman from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

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