Presented by the ILA Awards Committee and the Illinois State Library in honor of Alexander J. Skrzypek (1905-1976), the first librarian for the blind at the Chicago Public Library. Skrzypek's career in libraries began in 1919 as a part time page and he was named head librarian for the blind in 1952. The award is sponsored by the Illinois State Library.
Not sure how to get started with your nomination?
Click here to download award nomination guidelines and requirements.
Review the Criteria and Eligibility below.
Category
The award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library services for the blind or physically disabled in Illinois.
Criteria
The nominee’s contribution(s) to advancing library services for the blind and physically disabled may take the form of:
- an imaginative innovation in local or statewide services;
- a recognized contribution to the Illinois program of service for the disabled;
- an innovative public awareness campaign, which stimulated growth in local or statewide library services;
- a significant publication or writing in the field;
- the efforts of boards and libraries to follow/comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA); or
- any activity of recognized importance in the field.
The written nomination statement should support the criteria. Attach any supporting documentation.
Award Winners
The recipient will receive a certificate and have their name added to the plaque at the Illinois State Library.
Nomination Deadline
May 15
Nomination Submissions
The nominator’s statement of support should address all criteria under the individual awards as outlined. Nominator must submit the nomination form and attach all support statements, letters, and documentation, etc. required by the award’s criteria. ILA must receive all nominations by May 15.
Previous Alexander J. Skrzypek Award winners
1986 Michael Madden
1987 Patricia Wagner
1988 Martha Pitchford
1989 Liene Sorenson
1990 Judi Drazba
1991 Mary Ann Bakken
1992 James E. Pletz
1993 Betty F. Pine
1994 Lori Bell
1995 John Szabo
1996 Catherine Randall
1997 no award
1998 no award
1999 Eileen J. Sheppard
2000 Karen Odean
2001 Jeanne Flynn (posthumous)
2002 Mary Katherine Berggren
2003 no award
2004 Barry Levine
2005 no award
2006 no award
2007 Karen Bersche
2008 Robert Blanchard
2009 no award
2010 Phyllis A. Jacobek
2011 Gary Gustin and Holly Jin
2012 Camille Caffarelli
2013 Karen Odean
2014 Don Daum
2015 Patrice Johnson
2016 Ann Ford
2017 Renee Grassi
2018 David Kelsey
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