The Maine Library Association initiated a new award in 1997, the Maine Library Journalism Award, to recognize the most outstanding print or broadcast stories about libraries in Maine within the last calendar year and to honor its Maine writer or producer. The winner receives recognition at the annual Maine Libraries Conference each fall. 

Criteria for Selection

Nominations for the next Maine Library Journalism Award must have been printed or broadcast in the previous calendar year. All formats including print (newspapers, magazines, journals); audiovisual (television, radio) and electronic media (websites) will be considered for selection. The winning media piece will be selected on the basis of originality, timeliness, and relevance to Maine libraries. Any article or news piece written by one or more individuals or by a group may be submitted. Both second party and self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. In order to give full recognition to Maine's journalists and keep the focus of the award on their important work, pieces must be authored by individuals or groups not currently employed in the library profession.

The panel of judges with diverse backgrounds to include:

• One person from the MLA Communications Committee
• MLA President or Past President
• One person with journalism experience

Submit nomination form to: 

Sally Bannen, MLA Communications Committee
Windham Public Library
217 Windham Center Road,
Windham, ME 04062
Or via email at sbannen@windham.lib.me.us

Deadline for Submission

Nominations for the next award, which were printed or broadcast in 2005, must be received by March 31, 2006. The Nomination Form must include the nominated piece in print form or link to website. In the case of a video or audio piece, please enclose 4 copies (for Committee and judges). Nomination materials will not be returned.

Past Maine Library Journalism Award Winners

The 2004 award was for Calais library fights Patriot Act, a series of three articles by Diana Graettinger that appeared in the Bangor Daily News in April, 2003. These articles dealt with Marilyn Sotirellis' (Director, Calais Free Library) opposition to the USA Patriot Act by her support of the Freedom to Read Protection Act and her actions to share information about both acts with her library patrons. While there were other articles written that year which dealt with the USA Patriot Act, these articles were the first to tackle the subject and its possible impact on Maine's libraries.

The 2005 winner will be announced at the Maine Libraries Conference in October 2005.