AUGUSTA – The Maine State Library and the Maine Library Association, with support from the Maine Library Trustee Association and the Friends of Maine Libraries, announce a new award to recognize outstanding public library service.

The Maine Library Excellence Award will be given to three public libraries at the Maine Libraries Conference in October. Entries may be submitted for either a successful ongoing program or a program that has occurred during the last three years. Nominations will be judged upon creativity and innovation; leadership in creating programs that can be emulated by other libraries; and programs or services which demonstrates a benefit to the community.

Nominations can be made by contacting the local public library. Libraries are encouraged to apply. There are three categories for the awards: populations less than 1,500; populations from 1,501 to 7,000; and, populations in excess of 7,001.

The application deadline is July 1. Winners will receive a cash award, a presentation of the award at their library, and recognition at the Maine Libraries conference. For more information, contact Sarah O’Sullivan, Maine Library Association public relations chairwoman, at 626-2415 or e-mail [email protected].