There are two Building Awards each year of $1000.00 each.  One will go to a project in a community serving less than 20,000 in population.  The other to a community of over 20,000 in population.

The focus of the awards is the impact that the construction project has had on the library’s ability to provide services to its community.  Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate cost effective solutions to space challenges as well as innovative usage of space and floor plans. 

Awards for Outstanding Public Library Buildings (new construction) are given in odd years. Awards are for Renovation projects are given in even years.

Award recipients are selected by the PLS Board upon the recommendation of the PLS awards committee. 

Attendance at the NYLA conference is required for acceptance of the award and plaque.  Winners may have their entries displayed at the PLS Booth at the annual conference and/or posted on the PLS website.

Eligibility requirements:
Current board members’ libraries are ineligible.
Previous winners are ineligible.

Applicants must submit:

· Demographic information about the community: population served, annual budget, annual circulation.

· Before and after photographs

· Before and after floor plans

· Goals and objectives

· Project budget

· Narrative explaining need, planning involved, community benefits, public response, press coverage.

· Copies of marketing material that was utilized to inform the community of the project and to gain support.

Because new construction and renovation categories only come up every other year, there is a two year window which allows for the inclusion of projects completed in the off year.  Ex: for the Renovation award in 2010, projects completed during 2008 are eligible. 

All projects must be completed by December 31, 2009

Application deadline has been extended to July 16, 2010. Please put "PLS BUILDING AWARD" in the subject line.

To apply for a PLS Building Award, please email a letter meeting the criteria outlined above to: plsawards@gmail.com

*PLEASE PUT “PLS BUILDING AWARD” IN THE SUBJECT LINE