Best Small Library Award Information

Best Small Library Award

KLA/Soutron -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.

Qualifying libraries may nominate themselves by submitting a completed application. Individuals or organizations wishing to nominate a qualifying library may also do so by providing the information requested below on behalf of the 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 (including, but not limited to):

• 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:

• Optional information: Facebook page, or other social media used by the library:

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:
• Total previous year's visits for your library:

• Circulation per capita:

• Programs per capita:

• Budget per capita:

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. Description: A clear description of the service with enough detail to allow others to replicate the service in their libraries
2. Funding: Source of funding for each service
3. Promotion: How the service was promoted to patrons and staff, including staff training
4. Evaluation: 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. Future: 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.

• Any support or comment given from the public/individuals for this service, program, or activity

Submission Deadline: September 21, 2026

Awards will be presented during the 2026 KLA Conference in Wichita, KS, October 28-30, 2026. 

Please submit all necessary information to:

Melany Wilks

KLA Past President/Chair of Presidential Awards Committee

podaire@gmail.com

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