By Gina Martinez
City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) is asking constituents to nominate one of four libraries in his district for the NYC Neighborhood Library Awards. The awards celebrate the vital role libraries play in local communities.
Libraries in the running can win a $20,000 grand prize or $10,000 runner-up prize. Six branches will capture an award and receive $20,000 each, and five additional finalist libraries will receive $10,000 each.
Lancman nominated Briarwood Library, Pomonok Library, Kew Gardens Hills Library and Hillcrest Library. The top 10 finalists will be announced in June and will be publicly honored at an awards ceremony in the fall. The process asks that nominations explain why a library branch should win this award, using specific examples and personal anecdotes.
Based on patrons’ nominations, data on circulation and program attendance, and the recommendations of a philanthropic review committee, judges visit to see the branches in action and narrow the pool down to 10 finalists. From there, a group of eminent judges will pick the winners.
Nomination forms are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, and Haitian Creole and will be accepted through March 13.
Nominations can be submitted at www.nycli
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
