Eligibility
Whether through public awareness campaigns, community organizing, policy leadership, fundraising efforts, or the defence of library values, recipients of this award demonstrate the power of advocacy to strengthen public libraries and the communities they serve. The award celebrates leadership, innovation, and meaningful impact at the local, regional, provincial, or national level.
Nominations are welcome for:
- Individuals (e.g., library patrons, elected officials, educators, students, community leaders)
- Groups or Organizations (e.g., Friends of the Library, non-profits, community associations, businesses)
- Library Staff or Board Members, provided their advocacy extends beyond the expectations of their paid or official roles
Nominees may be recognized for activities such as:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Legislative or policy support for libraries
- Community organizing and coalition building
- Innovative media and outreach initiatives
- Fundraising tied directly to advocacy
- The defence of library values during times of challenge (e.g., censorship, budget cuts, closures)
Actions must have taken place within the past two years, though long-standing or sustained efforts may be considered with supporting evidence
Current members of the award selection committee are not eligible during their term. Activities conducted solely as part of a political campaign for personal election purposes are not eligible unless library advocacy was a distinct and measurable result.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated based on the nominee’s overall contribution to advancing and strengthening public libraries. The selection committee will consider:
- Demonstrated Impact: Evidence of positive outcomes for public libraries, including measurable or visible results such as increased funding, policy changes, or greater public awareness and engagement.
- Leadership in Advocacy: The ability to inspire, mobilize, or influence others while championing public library issues within the community, government, or media.
- Creativity and Innovation: The use of original approaches, creative tools, or effective messaging to advance library priorities and promote public library value.
- Community Engagement: Advocacy efforts that reflect community needs and incorporate diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences.
- Alignment with Public Library Values: A demonstrated commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom, equitable access, lifelong learning, and community service.
- Collaboration: Partnerships and cooperative efforts that bring together library staff, boards, community organizations, stakeholders, or other supporters to strengthen advocacy outcomes.
- Commitment and Dedication: Sustained effort, persistence, and a long-term commitment to supporting public libraries and advancing their role within the community.
- Influence and Reach: The breadth and depth of the nominee’s impact, whether at the local, regional, provincial, or national level, including recognition by the public, media, or professional community.
Submit a Nomination
Use the form below to nominate an individual, group, or organization for the FOPL Advocacy Award. Nominations must be submitted by someone other than the nominee (self-nominations not accepted unless specified). For drafting purposes, a PDF version of the nomination form can be found here.
The next nomination deadline is September 30, 2026.