Sponsored by the Public Library Association and EBSCO Information Services. This PLA award will not be presented in 2021. For more information, please visit PLA Awards and Grants.
Purpose and Criteria
The EBSCO Excellence in Rural Library Service Award provides recognition and an honorarium to a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less with an upper per capita income limit of not more than the 75th quartile of the national average that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. Individual branch libraries of a library system are not eligible to apply. The award honors a public library for all or any of the following:
- Uniqueness of service of program
- Impact of program or service on community
- How the service or program will affect the future of the library and its community
Number and Frequency of Award
Only one library shall receive this annual award. No award shall be given if applicants do not meet the award criteria.
2020 Recipient
Astor County Library (Astor, FL)
Past Recipients
- 2019 Copper Queen Library (Bisbee, AZ)
- 2018 Scottsboro (AL) Public Library
- 2017 David A. Howe (NY) Public Library
- 2016 East Berlin (PA) Community Library
- 2015 San Juan Island Library, Friday Harbor, WA
- 2014 Bertha Voyer Memorial Library, Honey Grove, TX
- 2013 Cross Plains (TX) Public Library
- 2012 Kinsley (KS) Public Library
- 2011 Independence (KS) Public Library
- 2010 Gilpin County Public Library, Black Hawk, CO
- 2009 John C. Fremont Library District, Florence, CO
- 2008 Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth, ME
- 2007 Kenai (AK) Community Library
- 2006 Williamsfield (IL) Public Library
- 2005 Curtis Township Library, Glennie, MI
- 2004 Tecumseh Public Library, Tecumseh, OK
- 2003 Haines Borough (AK) Public Library
- 2002 Wallow County (OR) Library
- 2001 Alpine Public Library (AZ)
- 2000 Clearwater County Free Library (ID)
- 1999 Little Boston Branch of the Kitsap (Wash.) Regional Library
- 1998 Littleton (NH) Public Library
- 1997 Littleton (CO) Public Library
- 1996 Waialua (HI) Public Library
- 1995 Franklin County Public Library, East Point, FL
- 1994 Alan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library and Community House, Poland, ME
- 1993 Decorah Public Library, Decorah, IA
- 1992 Kingman Carnegie Library, Kingman, KS