Awards
Each year, the Connecticut Library Association recognizes the work done by the libraries, library staff, and library supporters across the state and gives out awards at our Annual Conference. For questions, please reach out to [email protected].
The deadline for submissions is March 15th, 2026. Please see the online applications below for specific submission requirements.
*Google forms require sign-in for file upload. Please reach out to Outreach at the email above if this is an issue that makes submission difficult.
CLA General Awards
Online Application
CLA Publicity Awards
Online Application
Our awards are:
Outstanding Librarian Award - honors the career accomplishments of a librarian who has demonstrated an outstanding record of service to their library and to the library profession. The following categories suggest areas in which the nominee may have rendered significant service: outstanding service in their field of expertise, e.g. reference, children’s services, administrative, or technical services; involvement in statewide leadership; encouragement of community/institutional support for the library. Preference will be given to nominees who have achieved in more than one area. The nominee must be a member of CLA.
Special Achievement Award - honors an individual who has implemented a significant project or initiated an innovative program during the past year. The achievement being honored should have had a significant impact on the library, the community, or the library profession. This award may be given to the same individual more than once. The Awards Committee reserves the right to present more than one Special Achievement Award.
Edith B. Nettleton Award - honors an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding record of volunteer service to their library. This award is presented in the name of Edith B. Nettleton who served as Guilford Town Librarian from 1933-1978. After retiring, she returned to the Library as a volunteer, organizing the historical collection and serving for 35 years.
Excellence in Public Library Service Awards - honors public libraries that have provided an outstanding program or service to their communities. Nominations are judged on creativity and innovation, service to the community, and leadership in creating model programs and programs which will affect the future of the library and its community. Award may be given out in multiple categories based on population.
News Media Award - honors an individual journalist or news organization for coverage of libraries and/or the principles of librarianship in an exemplary way during the past year. Exemplary media coverage can be evidenced through editorials, features, news reporting, and/or special event reporting. Coverage may focus on library issues such as services to special populations and other appropriate topics. Copies of articles and other relevant material should be submitted with this nomination.
Intellectual Freedom Award - honors an individual for the demonstration of extraordinary personal courage in the defense of intellectual freedom, for the implementation of a successful and creative project developed to raise awareness of intellectual freedom issues, or for a published work on intellectual freedom.
Support Staff Award - honors an outstanding library assistant or support staff member.
Supporter of Support Staff Award - honors a library administrator or manager who promotes the role of library assistants and support staff.
Young Adult Services Award - honors an outstanding librarian serving the Young Adult community.
Faith Hektoen Award - honors: 1) Career achievement in the field of children's services, or 2) An outstanding program or project that has made a significant impact on library service for children in Connecticut. Nominations may be made by anyone in the library community, excepting current selection committee members.
CLA Publicity Award - honors accomplishments in design, marketing, and publicity by Connecticut libraries.
