Bessie Boehm Moore - Thorndike Press Award
The Bessie Boehm Moore–Thorndike Press Award was an annual award consisting of $1,000 and a citation of achievement, presented to a library organization that had developed an outstanding and creative program for library service to the aging. The criteria for selection of the award winner were: library’s effectiveness in meeting program’s goals; percentage of targeted population reached by the program; program’s recognition of the diversity among the aging population; library’s coordination with state and local agencies serving the same population; intergenerational aspects of the program; effective use of existing resources; involvement of community in program; and potential for adoption by other libraries.
The Bessie Boehm Moore award was established by Moore in 1991 and administered by ALA. Moore died in 1995 and the award ceased being presented in 1996. Then in 2000, it was reinstated with support from the Thorndike Press/G.K. Hall. Thorndike Press/G.K. Hall previously presented their own award to a library that had done an outstanding job in promoting large print books. By combining award criteria and changing the name of the award, Thorndike has agreed to fund the "Bessie." The Reference and User Services Association’s (RUSA) Management and Operation of User Services Section’s (MOUSS) Library Service to an Aging Population Committee will choose award candidates. Sponsor: Thorndike Press/G. K. Hall. (Reestablished 1999) In the summer of 2003, the award was again retired.
Recipients
In March 1994, the Decorah (Iowa) Public Library earned the award. The library was honored for its program, "Service to Seniors," a multi-faceted approach to the special needs of the aging. It included outreach to the frail elderly and others who cannot come to the library. The program offered service opportunities for those who have time to give and provides cultural and educational experiences.
In May 1995, the Pekin (Ill.) Public Library earned the award for the expansion of its traditional print books and homebound delivery services to include an information-based intergenerational. "The project represents a thoughtful and deliberate effort to develop the library as the foundation for both library-based and community-provided intergenerational program," said Nicky Stanke, chair of the award committee.
2000 — READiscover Program of the James V. Brown Library, Williamsport, Penn.
2001 — Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, Texas
2002 — Montclair Public Library, Montclair, New Jersey
2003 — San Diego County Library ‘Books-By-Mail’ Service
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