Annual Awards

Every day, through actions big and small, ordinary people serving congregational libraries extend themselves to extraordinary limits — providing encouragement and purpose in our field of congregational librarianship. CSLA wants to know about these people and honor them at our national conferences.

A listing of the awards given at the CSLA national conference each summer follows, and an informational brochure is available for download by clicking here:

Outstanding Congregational Library

CSLA honors a church or synagogue library which has responded in creative and innovative ways to the library’s mission of reaching and serving members of the congregation and/or wider community. The Outstanding Congregational Library award was first given in 1975.

Criteria taken into consideration for this award are: frequent use by all ages of church or synagogue membership; be accessible and attractive with some elements of uniqueness; have up-to-date and varied materials; have resources other than books; serve all branches of the sponsoring church or synagogue; evidence growth and development in size and use.

The Northern Colorado Faith Library is being recognized for its upgrade efforts in the areas of collection development, technology, and staffing. Library Committee Co-chair David Reid and his staff of dedicated volunteers believe that "a knowledgeable librarian, a thoughtfully assembled collection, and a welcoming environment add up to a spiritual resource that can change people's lives."

Outstanding Congregational Librarian

CSLA recognizes a church or synagogue librarian who exhibits distinguished service to his/her congregation and/or community through devotion to the ministry of congregational librarianship. The first award was given in 1976.

Pastor Earl F. Roberts writes "Mrs. Baker (Mary) remains, at age 97, active in the operation of our outstanding church library." Ms. Baker was instrumental in building and maintaining the library's collection through automation and facility design. Pastor Roberts concludes, "For generations to come, through the impact of Mary Baker's forethought, energy, dedication, and creativity, we will continue to have an exceptional church library."

Outstanding Contribution to Congregational Libraries

This award is given to a person or institution who has provided inspiration, guidance, leadership, or resources to enrich the field of church or synagogue libraries. The first award was given in 1969.

Criteria for this award include providing an unusual extension of library services in the community, development of special services or materials, promotion and development of congregational library workshops, material or literature, promotion of libraries in a community or area, and promotion of libraries through a denomination or an interdenominational or interfaith group.

Helen Keating Ott Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children's Literature

Named for Helen Keating Ott, one of CSLA’s most active members and three times a national officer, this award honors a person or organization for significant contribution in promoting high moral and ethical values through children’s literature. Mrs. Ott had a lifelong interest in children’s literature and in libraries and library work. She prepared the CSLA bibliography, Helping Children Through Books, first published in 1974. Mrs. Ott died in 1979. The first award was presented in 1980.

In addition to librarians, educators, or clergy, appropriate nominees for this award are authors, illustrators, editors, or publishers of children’s books.

Prolific author Dandi Daley Mackall is being recognized for her significant contribution in promoting high moral and ethical values through children's literature. She is specifically sensitive to the challenges experienced by special needs children and to the plight of the economically depressed. Moreover, her picture books speak to children from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Pat Tabler Memorial Scholarship Award

Named for Pat Tabler, who served CSLA in several capacities on national, regional and local levels, the award recognizes a librarian who has shown initiative and creativity in starting or renewing a congregational library. The first award was given in 1988.