Best Practices in Early Literacy Award: Applications due February 9, 2015

The New Jersey State Library wishes to recognize four public libraries from across the state with innovative and successful programs currently in place for children from birth to six years, their families and caregivers.   The winning public libraries will each receive a $1000 mini-grant from the New Jersey State Library.  The State Library will publish a booklet highlighting all the early literacy award winning programs and distribute it at this year’s NJLA Conference in April.

We are looking for applications from public libraries that saw a need for an early literacy program in their libraries and created the early literacy program to fulfill this need. Eligible libraries will include those that offer creative and innovative early literacy programs in libraries for children from birth to age 6. The programs must be able to be replicated in similar communities and have to have been proven effective in reaching the targeted audience. 

The application form is included below. Please submit the form with an essay describing the rationale for creating the program; how the creation of the program solved this need and quotes from library staff and the public in support of the program.  The application should also include how many sessions the library held; how many children, families or caregivers participated; and how the program was publicized.  Please submit copies of any flyers or brochures for the program, press releases, newspaper articles and high resolution photos of at least 300 dpi.

Examples of previous NJ public libraries that have won Best Practices Awards may be found here.  

The deadline for the Best Practices Award entries is February 9, 2015. Send your submissions by e-mail to Sharon Rawlins, Youth Services Specialist, New Jersey State Library at ...@njstatelib.org">sraw...@njstatelib.org. If you have any questions, please contact me at ...@njstatelib.org">sraw...@njstatelib.org or 609-278-2640 ext. 116.

The four winning libraries will be notified by February 19, 2015.

We look forward to sharing your award-winning innovative programming at the NJLA Conference and other appropriate venues.

Best,

Sharon Rawlins, MLS

Youth Services Specialist for Lifelong Learning

NJ State Library

185 West State St.

P.O. Box 520

Trenton, NJ 08625-0520

...@njstatelib.org">sraw...@njstatelib.org

609-278-2640 ext. 116 - phone

609-278-2650 - fax