[CASL-L] Nominate Your Library! The CT State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards 2026

[Kymberlee Powe]

[Logo: CT State Library. Preserving the Past. Informing the Future.]

Nominate Your Library!
The Connecticut State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards 2026

[Logo: Connecticut State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards 2026]

The CT State Library is pleased to announce the launch of the Excellence in Public Libraries Awards 2026. The Awards are now open for nominations through February 27, 2026.

The Awards are designed to honor and celebrate outstanding public libraries—those that demonstrate excellence in service and innovative programming and have a profound impact on their communities. The Awards aim to highlight the exceptional work of public libraries, encouraging growth and evolution in library services, and acknowledging libraries’ outstanding contributions while inspiring others to strive for excellence in serving their communities.

Read more below, and visit the CT State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards LibGuide<https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/publiclibrariesaward>.

Awards Categories

Libraries may be nominated in more than one category, and each category may have more than one awarded library.

  *   Accessibility and Inclusion
  *   Advancement in Literacy and Education
  *   Community Engagement
  *   Outstanding Children's Services

Eligibility

  *   Open to all public libraries within the state of Connecticut.
  *   Libraries are welcome to submit separate applications for multiple categories; however, they are only able to receive one award per cycle.
  *   After receiving an award, a library cannot apply for in the same category in consecutive years.
  *   After receiving an award, a library cannot apply for any future awards with the same project.
  *   Libraries must have completed the Annual Report survey and submitted it by the October 1, 2025, deadline.

Program Timeline

  *   Nomination Period: January 5, 2026 – February 27, 2026
  *   Nomination Review: March – April 2026
  *   Announcement and Ceremony: May – June 2026

Nomination Process

Libraries can be nominated by local legislators, peers, patrons, or staff members, and self-nominating is encouraged.

Nomination Form

A completed Nomination Form is required for each nominated library.

The Nomination Form includes space for a detailed description of the library's achievements as it pertains to the nominating Award Category, as well as space for evidence of impact, such as statistics, testimonials, and case studies.

Visit the CT State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards – Nominations Process LibGuide page<https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/publiclibrariesaward/nominations>.

Selection Process and Criteria

A diverse panel of reviewers, including library professionals, educators, community leaders, and representatives from the State Library, will evaluate nominations and select awards recipients.

Panelists will consider the following criteria in their assessment of all nominations:

  *   Collaboration: Effective partnerships with other organizations or community groups.
  *   Impact: Demonstrated positive impact on the community.
  *   Innovation: Implementation of unique and creative programs or services.

The CT State Library reserves the right to not award every category every year.

Award Ceremony

The Excellence in Public Libraries Awards will be presented by the CT State Library in spring 2026.



CT State Library is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

© 2016 CT State Library. All rights reserved.



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Ashley Sklar (she/ her) | Adult Services & Community Engagement Consultant | Division of Library Development

Middletown Library Service Center | 786 South Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457

ashley.sklar at ct.gov<mailto:ashley.sklar at ct.gov> | Office: (860) 704-2222 | libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld<https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/home>
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