Best Small Library Award Information

Best Small Library Award

KLA/Auto-Graphics award for the best services, programs or activities in small Kansas public libraries. This award provides recognition and a monetary honorarium to public libraries serving a population, i.e., “taxing district,” of less than 5,000 for describing creative and excellent library service, program, or activity that can be replicated in other libraries. State libraries can nominate their own libraries or another library. Applications become the property of KLA and can be used to promote wonderful services, programs and activities that can be replicated in other libraries.

Sample services, programs or activities

• Creativity in developing services and programs
• Creativity in increasing the use and circulation of library materials, e.g., books, DVDs, etc.
• Innovation in introducing and supporting public access to computers and the Internet
• Success in educating patrons in computer use and measuring the results of technology usage.
• Use of technology to expand the reach of library services
• Demonstrated community support
• Sustained cooperation with other libraries
• Partnerships with other agencies and businesses
• Evidence of library’s role as community center

• Raising the profile of the library in your community

Contact information

• Library name:
• Contact person:
• Address:
• City:
• Zip code:
• Telephone:
• Email address:

• URL of library Web page:

Description of the library

(From the Kansas Public Library Statistical Survey)

• Number of full and part time library staff including director:
• Number of hours open per week:
• Population served:
• Number of registered living library patrons:
• Budget per capita:

• Circulation per capita:

Description of one or more services, programs, or activities

Please write no more than 1000 words, i.e., 1.5 pages, about your library’s accomplishments on one or more of the services, programs, or activities below. Please include the following information:

1. A clear description of the service with enough detail to allow others to replicate the service in their libraries
2. Source of funding for each service
3. How the service was promoted to patrons and staff, including staff training
4. How the service was evaluated, results of that evaluation, i.e., impact on the community, and, what was learned, i.e., what should be changed to make the service better
5. Whether the service will continue in coming years and, if so, what maintenance and support is required for the ongoing program

Materials accompanying applications are limited to:

• 3 pieces of paper, e.g., brochures, flyers, etc, advertising or describing service, program or activity to patrons or staff.

• 3 photographs of service, program or activity.

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025

Awards will be presented during the 2025 KLA Conference in Manhattan, KS, November 5-7, 2025. 

Please submit all necessary information to:

Sean Bird
KLA Past President/Chair of Presidential Awards Committee

sean.bird@washburn.edu

*Winner determination will be made by a committee of esteemed librarians from across the state.