Awards & Scholarships
Questions? Please email David Kelsey, 2022 ABOS Awards Committee Chair, at awards@abos-outreach.com.
Bernard Vavrek Scholarship
Dr. Bernard Vavrek, Professor of Library Science, Chair of the Library Science Department at Clarion University, co-founded with John Philip the “Great American Bookmobile Conference,” running it for many years until ABOS was formed and took over management of the conference. This scholarship honors Dr. Vavrek’s profound commitment to library science and, in particular, bookmobile and outreach services.
Book Bike Community Impact Award
Presented annually to a library, department, or an individual who has provided exemplary library book bike service to their community.
Carol Hole Conference Attendance Award
Carol Combs Hole provided exemplary leadership on behalf of libraries, bookmobile and outreach services throughout her 32 year career as a professional public librarian. Carol freely shared her ideas, knowledge and sense of humor with bookmobile and outreach staff. In 1989, Carol published The Bookmobile Songbook. The dedication states: "This book is dedicated to: The Road Warriors who daily start their engines and sally forth from public libraries everywhere to raise the library flag on new beachheads, and to Bernard Vavrek the only Library School Professor in America who cares about them." She sought to share wisdom so that the profession would continue to grow.
Innovation in Outreach Programming Award
This award recognizes a library’s achievement in planning and implementing an innovative or creative outreach program, which has had a measurable impact on its community. Programs should be unique and cutting-edge.
John Philip Excellence in Outreach Award
John Philip, known to all as “Mr. Bookmobile”, spent his long and honorable career as an advocate of Bookmobile and Outreach Services. John Philip is the “Father” of the National Bookmobile Conference which started in 1986 and has now evolved into the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services. Through his strong leadership and high profile advocacy, bookmobiles have been recognized as a viable library outreach service.
This award honors his dedication and tireless work to Bookmobile and Outreach Services and serves as a pinnacle for all members of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services to aspire to reach. This is the most prestigious award presented by ABOS.
Karen Hake Outstanding Bookmobile Librarian Award
Karen Hake had a rewarding fifty-year career as the bookmobile librarian at the Platte County Library System in Columbus, Nebraska. During her five decades of service as the bookmobile librarian, Karen made a meaningful impact in the lives of countless adults, children, and families. A long-time member and supporter of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services, the ABOS Board of Directors is proud to establish the Karen Hake Outstanding Bookmobile Librarian Award in recognition of Karen’s fifty years of exceptional service to the bookmobile profession.
Presented annually to a bookmobile manager, supervisor, or MLIS librarian in recognition of their continuous dedication and commitment to the bookmobile profession.
Paralibrarian Student Scholarship
One of the slated purposes of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services is “to contribute to the education and training of library staff working in the area of bookmobile and outreach services.” To help fulfill this goal, ABOS has created the Paralibrarian Student Scholarship. The Paralibrarian Student Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is currently enrolled and has completed at least one semester in a paraprofessional library program at the bachelor, associate, or certificate level.
Pattie Johnston Outreach Award
Pattie Johnston began her service at the Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence, Kansas in 1972 and in 2001, she became the library’s senior outreach coordinator. During her forty-five years of outstanding service at the Lawrence Public Library, Pattie made a lasting impression on the countless adults, seniors, children, and families that she served. Pattie served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services, including serving as the 2015 president, presiding over the 2015 annual conference in St. Charles, IL. A long-time supporter and advocate of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services, the ABOS Board of Directors is proud to establish the Pattie Johnston Outreach Award in recognition of Pattie’s forty-five years of exceptional service to the outreach field as well as for her outstanding leadership and numerous contributions to ABOS.
Presented annually to a bookmobile or outreach support staff member who has provided exemplary service to their community through bookmobile and outreach services. Candidates must not hold an MLIS and must work in a supportive role in their library (drivers, assistants, associates, clerks).
Preschool Outreach and School Services Inspirations Award
Presented annually to a library, department, or an individual who has provided exemplary library outreach services to children and students in their community, from age infant to college.
Rising Stars Award
Highlights the achievements of those new to the profession. Rising Stars are those people who display a passion for the bookmobile and outreach profession, both at work and via volunteer or association activities. Rising Stars Award candidates must have worked in the bookmobile and outreach field for five years or less.
Senior Services Super Star Award
Presented annually to a library, department, or an individual who has provided exemplary library outreach services to seniors in their community, including homebound seniors and seniors residing in facilities.
Questions? Please email David Kelsey, 2022 ABOS Awards Committee Chair, at awards@abos-outreach.com.