Benefactor Awards:
Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Edwards, Union County   
Presenter: Dave Eden

The Benefactor’s Award is given on an irregular basis to an individual or group who has made a significant financial contribution towards the development of public library service.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Joyce Mitchell, Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield and Doris Stephens, Alexander County Library
Presenter: Nancy Bates

Considered  annually, this award is given to a North Carolina librarian, past or present, who by creativity, fidelity, leadership and professionalism, has increased the quality for library service to all patrons in their community.  This award encompasses the contributions of an individual(s) over an entire career or lifetime.

Library Trustee of the Year: Joy Shute, Union County Library
Presenter: Dave Eden

Considered annually, the Library Trustee of the Year is given to a trustee, past or present, who has significantly benefitted his/her library by the strength of his/her service. This trustee has provided leadership, creativity, and inspiration while serving on the board and has contributed in a significant manner to the accomplishment of the library’s mission.

Special Recognition Awards:

Outstanding Leadership:  The Friends of Alamance County Public Libraries
Presenter: Nancy Bates

Outstanding support through a highly successful fund-raising campaign

President's Award: Ross Holt
Presenter:  Robert Fisher

In recognition of leadership and professionalism which has increased the quality of library service to all members of the library community

Library Director of the Year: Dave Eden, Union County Library
Presenter: Jim McKee

Considered annually, this award is given to a current library director who has contributed to the growth and development of their library by providing leadership, inspiration and creativity to staff, patrons, and trustees.  By his or her abilities, the public library under his or her direction has succeeded in providing excellent service to their library and/or the library community.

 PROGRAM AWARDS

Large: 
New Hanover County, “Midnight at Hogwarts”
The New Hanover Library was able to make a splash in the midst of the publicity surrounding the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  Bookstores stayed opened until midnight to promote their sales but only at the library could Harry Potter fans sleep over (or stay up all night!) to celebrate the end of the long wait for this fifth novel.  Activities included screening of the movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of  Secrets, crafts or tracking worldwide Harry Potter news via the Internet.  Almost eight straight hours of readings were done from Harry Potter #5. All in all a truly magical library experience!

Medium:
Rowan County, “Time Warp Trio Book Club”
Books from the Time Warp Trio series were presented to children from grades 2-5 using discussion, activities, guest speakers, and additional materials. Each program met once a week for approximately one hour over a seven week period. Settings and time periods included those of:  King Arthur, Blackbeard, King Tut, Greece and Greek mythology, Rome and Roman Gods and Goddesses as well as the Shoguns of ancient Japan. 

Small:
H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, “Reading Bunch”
Reading Bunch is a book discussion program designed to bring upper elementary and middle school students age 9-13 to the library on a continuing basis and to stimulate their interest in reading by having it take place in a social situation spiced with the fun of trivia, reading contests and prizes.  Participants select a book, read independently for a short period, and then share the title and an extemporaneous summary with the group. In September, members vote on one book to be read aloud by individuals each week until completed. Once a year a “members’ only” party is held with food, music, activities, and prizes. The Social context has worked well keeping  participants engaged and returning weekly

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS
Presenter: Cindy Moose

Large:
Forsyth County Library, “Generation Teen: We Encourage Underage Thinking”
Generation Teen is a new system wide initiative to attract teens, ages 13-18 to the library. The library has created a series of monthly programs that center on teen  involvement. A new Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meets monthly to plan programs and services offered to this age group and no are planned without teen participation.  Programs include “Open Mic Night”, “Movies After Hours”, “Word Up”, and “NC LIVE Training”.

Medium:
Haywood County Library, “Festival of the Graphic Novel”
The program evolved from the theme for Teen Read Week 2002: “Get Graphic@ Your Library.“ Local teachers, authors, retailers, and the newspaper provided assistance, expertise, publicity, prizes and judging for the contest. The event spanned a week at various county locations and included workshops on illustration and creative writing, books talks and a graphic novel quiz.  The centerpiece of the festival was the contest in which young adults wrote and illustrated a complete graphic novel on their own.  An awards ceremony and receptions for all participants concluded the festival.

Small:  
Southern Pines Library, “Poetry Bowl”
Teens from rival schools cheered as their teachers competed in friendly but  spirited rounds of library trivia. Teams of teachers from local middle and high schools put their literary knowledge to the test in a high spirited, but light hearted competition featuring questions about American and British poetry. The program was successful because of the number of tees it attracted and relationships between the schools and public library were forged and strengthened.  

OUTSTANDING ADULT PROGRAMS
Presenter: Brenda Stephens

Large: (Tie)
Buncombe County Library System, “The History of West Asheville”
This project was started to increase awareness of the area’s history and create a comprehensive historical archive.  A CD-Rom was produced and included photographs, personal remembrances, maps and pertinent text of West Asheville.  This unique and creative endeavor was the result of 10 months of a largely volunteer effort and was premiered at the 50^th anniversary celebration of the West Asheville Branch Library.  The CD is available not only for use at the library but also as an affordable product for purchase by individuals or groups.

Cumberland County Library, “The USA Patriot Act and Homeland Security: What Does This Mean for Civil Rights”.

A moderated panel discussion on the USA Patriot Act gave residents a unique opportunity to hear informed comments from four different expert perspectives on the possible affect of this act on civil liberties and  afforded participants a chance to ask questions in a neutral setting. A newspaper publisher, a law professor, an ACLU attorney, and a FBI agent formed the panel. This forum was an example of activities detailed in the library’s long range plan that provides for public discourse on community issues and trends.

Medium:
Medium: Watauga County Library, “Adult Summer & Winter Reading Programs”
These programs encouraged adults to read and share with other patrons what they have read by submitting short book reviews that are compiled for public use by the reference staff.  Submission of each review made the participant eligible for weekly prizes such as ski passes, tickets to nearby tourist attractions, gift certificates, and seasonal items donated by area businesses and organizations. The Watauga Library serves a diverse population of rural residents, faculty, staff, and students of Appalachian State University as well as a large summer population. One of the library’s main missions is to provide the community with a wide range of recreational reading opportunities and these programs have helped fulfill this goal in an enjoyable way.

Small:
Stanley County Library, “Heritage Memories”
Library staff and board of trustee members presented this two part program as part of the Library’s 75th Anniversary Celebration. All registered participants were given an extensive toolkit of helpful genealogy forms, tips, hints and useful resources. Part One was dedicated to Genealogy 101 and highlighted the local history collection and other library resources. Part Two of the program illustrated how to create family scrapbooks that would preserve family histories. Door prizes included a poster for family tree information and Family Tree Magazines.

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAMS

Large:
Cumberland County Library, “Festival of Flight”
The Festival of Flight took place May 16-26 at many venues in Fayetteville and was the first national celebration of the centennial of the first manned flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Library staff volunteered to assist at events and venues and provided displays and library programs in support of the festival. These programs included a musical “Right Place, Right Time, Wright Brothers”, a series of paper airplane contests entitled “Flying high @ your Library”, and a trivia contest “Find Out About Flight @ Your Library.

Medium:
Stanley County Library, “Celebrate @ Your Library”  
“Celebrate @ Your Library” was the theme of the library’s 75^th anniversary in August 2002.  A variety of events were planned that would reach a variety of patrons and appeal to their interests and would illustrate the diversity of programs and services available at the library. Among the programs were those for children, history buffs, film aficionados and genealogists.         

OUTSTANDING SERVICE INNOVATION
Presenter: Bill Snyder

Large:
High Point Public Library, “TAP into the Library”
Through TAP kids in one inner city neighborhood in High Point are being taught how to tap into their public library by accessing the library’s Internet catalog to select library materials and place holds on them.  TAP (technology access point)    is viewed as a “virtual” library branch because it uses technology to link Southside neighborhood residents to all of the resources of the library. TAP was dedicated in March, 2003 at the Family Resource Center which is a collaborative project of    Family Service of the Piedmont and the United Way of Greater High Point’s Success by Six program.

OUTSTANDING STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Large:
Forsyth County Library, “Computer Competencies Program” 
This program is an innovative staff development tool that emphasizes both the value of the individual and the importance of technical skills.  It was the result of the Library Administration’s recognition of the need to have a means of assessment and development of staffs’ computer knowledge.  After assessments were completed, the Technology Committee decided one-to-one training was the best course of action as it could be tailored to individual needs, meet the person at their own level of competency, offer a higher quality of learning and be less threatening. The one-on-one training was one of the outstanding characteristics of the program.

Medium:
Rowan County Library: “Staff Orientation Program”  
Library Administration and each library division developed PowerPoint presentations that provided new employees with the basics that are needed to be successful as a Rowan County Library employee. Corporate values and expectations are clearly provided as well as the general information that each employee needs to know. The PowerPoint is flexible, efficient, inexpensive, easily shared, and each division supervisor is competent in creating a PowerPoint presentation.

OUTSTANDING NEWSLETTER
Presenter: Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin

Large:
Cumberland County Library, “Among Friends”
“Among Friends” creates an awareness of the opportunities offered by the libraries of Cumberland County.  It brings attention to library needs and opportunities to support these to increase library services and facilities.  Further, it aids in maintaining an association of persons interested in books.

FACILITY AWARDS
Presenter: Nancy Bates

OUTSTANDING IMPROVED FACILITY
26,000 Sq. Ft. Or More: Union County Public Library
The Union County Library was built in the early 60s and lacked the space for modern library services. The building had fallen into such a bad state of repair that the public area was moved to the front third of the facility. In 1999 after a 20 year campaign to renovate or replace this structure, the Board of  Commissioners adopted a Regional Library Plan. After a major Fundraising campaign and architects and designs had been selected, construction began in November 2002.  18,000 sq. ft. of additional space was added to the existing 42,914 feet and entrances were relocated and made handicap accessible.  New children’s and Young Adult areas were added with computers, study tables, unique furniture and study rooms. In the new construction area, a circular patio extends in the rear from the reference and leisure reading sections. Adjacent to this area is the public computer section with over 50 public access computers.  Because so much of the original building could be used, the combination of old and new has confounded many old library users who ask, “Where’s the old library?”

Outstanding New Facility
10,000 to 25,999 Sq. Ft.: Union West Regional Library, Union County Public Library
The Union West Library at Indian Trail was the first library constructed in Union County in 40 years and was part of the 1999 Regional Library Plan. The former 2,000 building served well for 20 years until the phenomenal county growth overwhelmed it with a population projected at over 50,000 residents. The new 11,748 sq.ft. facility has a classic Federal look with bricks and columns.  It high ceiling and clerestory are borrowed from the “Monticello Era “.  A meeting room with space for 70 is located near the front door.  A local history genealogy room is separated from the rest of the library by French doors. A built-in fireplace occupies one end and doors lead outside to a walled garden with fountain, flowers and benches; these Items were donated by local businessmen. The children’s are is located In the north wing and features a built-in silo and farm motif for toddlers. It also leads to a children’s garden donated by local businesses. The new library circulates as many items in a week as the old one did in a month.

Outstanding Improved Facility
Under 10,000 Sq. Ft.: Waxhaw Branch Library, Union County Public Library 
Under the county’s Regional Library plan, $150,000 was set aside in 1999 to renovate and expand the Waxhaw library.  Primary concerns centered on additional space for public and library activities, more public automation,  enhanced children’s facilities,  and adequate, accessible  restrooms. A high priority was given to renovation of this 20 year old building including the roof, lightning, and carpet.  All of these issues were addressed with an additional 854 sq. ft and the renovation of the existing 2903 sq. ft. and fit within the appropriated budget. Furnishings were provided under an additional allocations from the Board of Commissioners and the Library Foundation.

Outstanding New Facility
Under 10,000 Sq. Ft.: Florence Soule Shankin Memorial Library – Gaston-Lincoln Regional Library
The East Lincoln Branch Library moved twice into rented storefront between 1980 and 2002 but caught the brass ring in 2003 when relocated to a gleaming new facility designed and built for library service. Set on acreage donated by Walt Shanklin in memory of his wife Florence Soule Shanklin, the 6,379 sq. ft. library is a full-service, state of the art library.  Lincoln County Commissioners approved $800,000 for the building and the East Lincoln Betterment Association launched a campaign to provide carpet, furniture, shelving and equipment. Proving that the impossible is possible, the Association’s  Library Fundraising Committee surpassed its goal of $250,000 to furnish and equip the new facility. A sizeable balance of unexpended funds will remain invested in an established endowment to support ongoing Shanklin Branch needs.