The Northbrook Public Library is the recipient of the 2015 Illinois Library Association Demco Library Innovative Award. This award recognizes a library’s achievement in planning and implementing an innovative or creative program or service which has had a measurable impact on its users.
On April 2, 2015, the Northbrook Public Library participated in Light It Up Blue (LIUB) on World Autism Day to help raise awareness of autism, educate community members about the disorder, and show support for residents impacted by autism. The exterior of the building was lit with blue lights and blue rope lights were used to decorate each public desk. Multiple departments created displays featuring materials about autism.
“The Library is proud to have received this award for something we feel is very important,” said Executive Director Kate Hall. “But more importantly, we are pleased to be driving more attention to World Autism Day. We hope other libraries will replicate LIUB in their communities so those affected by autism will know they are welcome.”
The Library’s involvement in the Light It Up Blue campaign was built on years of serving users impacted by autism. Past initiatives have included developing a collection of materials on autism and hosting special events for children with disabilities and their families. In the next year, the Library plans to dedicate more staffing resources to assist the community members affected by autism and grow the LIUB event further into the community.
“We plan to use the money from the Demco Library Innovative Award to expand our LIUB efforts from last year to other places in town so that eventually, all of Northbrook will be able to show their support,” said Hall.
The Demco Library Innovative Award will be officially presented at the Awards Gala during the 2015 Illinois Library Conference in Peoria on Friday, October 23rd. For further information on the award, contact the Illinois Library Association.
