Just received this press relese from the American Library Association:

“Nominations are still open for the 2009 Carnegie
Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award.

“The award invites library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians in public, school, college, community college and university libraries for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community.  Nominations will run through October 9 and are being accepted online at
www.ilovelibraries.org/ilovemylibrarian.

“Up to 10 librarians will be selected.  Each will receive a $5,000 cash award, a
plaque and a $500 travel stipend to attend an awards ceremony and
reception in New York, hosted by The New York Times in December.  In
addition, a plaque will be given to each award winner’s library.

“Each nominee must be a librarian with a master’s degree from a programaccredited by the ALA in library and information studies or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.  Nominees must be currently working in the United States in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or at an accredited K-12 school.

“Nominees will be judged by a selection committee based on quality of service
to library users, demonstrated knowledge of the library and its resources and
commitment shown in helping library users.

“In 2008, Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded the American Library
Association (ALA) $489,000 to support the award, which will continue
annually through 2012.  The award continues in the tradition of one The New
York Times presented from 2001 to 2006.

“Last year, more than 3,200 library users nationwide nominated a librarian, and 10 librarians received the award.  For more information on last year’s winners, visit ilovelibraries.org/ilovemylibrarian.

“The award is administered by ALA’s Public Information Office and Campaign
for America’s Libraries, ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the
value of libraries and librarians.

“Carnegie Corp. of New York was created by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to
promote “the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.”
For more than 95 years, the foundation has carried out its founder’s vision of
philanthropy by building on his two major concerns: international peace and
advancing education and knowledge.  Each year, the private grant-making
foundation invests more than $100 million in nonprofit organizations to fulfill
Mr. Carnegie’s mission, “to do real and permanent good in this world.”

“The New York Times Company, a leading media company with 2008 revenues of $2.9 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers, WQXR-FM and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com.  The Company’s core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.

“The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association
in the world, with more than 65,000 members.  Its mission is to promote the
highest quality library and information services and public access to
information.”