Reaching Forward Forum
Maureen Dunne
Prospect Heights Public Library District

Support Staff Recognition Awards
The Reaching Forward Conference will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, April 30, 2010! Nominations are now being accepted for two prestigious support staff awards. What a wonderful occasion to recognize outstanding performers at your library!

There are two significant awards available:

The Doyle Award was established in 1999 in honor of ILA Executive Director Robert P. Doyle to encourage support staff attendance at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference. This award is open to all support staff working in all types of libraries. The winning recipient will receive a one year membership in ILA as well as full registration and expenses up to $800.00 to attend the ILA Annual Conference. To nominate someone, simply submit a one page or less statement completing the phrase “Why I (or my nominee) would like to attend the ILA Annual Conference and how it would affect my (or his/her) personal and professional growth.” The Reaching Forward Web site has an online form for the Doyle Award.

The Oberman-Rich Award was established in 1995 and is sponsored by the Reaching Forward Conference in honor of Tobi Oberman and Tom Rich, both of whom were instrumental in developing the nationally recognized Reaching Forward. This award recognizes the contributions of a support staff member to the library community and to the role of support staff in libraries. All support staff in all types of libraries are eligible to receive this award. You may nominate yourself or a support staff member that you feel is deserving of this award. The winning recipient(s) will receive free registration to Reaching Forward, $50.00 for expenses, and a framed certificate. To nominate someone, submit a one page or less statement completing the phrase “Why I (or my nominee) would like to attend Reaching Forward.” The Reaching Forward Web site has an online form for the Oberman-Rich Award.

Nominations may also be submitted in writing to Maureen Dunne by snail mail (Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 Elm Street Prospect Heights, IL 60070-1499) or email. All nominations must be received by March 31, 2010.

The committee hopes to see all of you for the 20th anniversary on April 30th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. The preliminary program is now available on the Reaching Forward Web site.