By Kim Martin
Today, we announced the winners of its “Libraries Are Beautiful – Inside and Out” photo contest. Launched in celebration of National Library Week, taking place this week – April 13-19, the contest showcases libraries who make their communities a more beautiful place—physically or metaphorically. The top five per category were selected by experts in art, architecture and design. From the 25 finalists, winners were chosen by popular vote – and include:
- Best in Show – Most Modern Architecture: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Memphis, TN – “Double Take”
- Most Unique Structure/Art Installation: Wagner Community School Library, Wagner, SD – “Reading in the Shadows”
- Greatest Historical Treasure: James J. Hill Reference Library, Saint Paul, MN – “A Passion for Detail”
- Most Modern Architecture: James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Raleigh, NC – “The bookBot at NC State University’s James B. Hunt Jr. Library”
- Coolest Internal Space: Downtown Reno Library, Reno, NV – “The Great Outdoors, Indoors”
- Best Curb Appeal: Rangeley Public Library, Rangeley, ME – “Of Stone and Books”
Honorable mentions go to:
- Most Unique Structure/Art Installation: Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo, MI – “Somewhere Under the Rainbow“
- Greatest Historical Treasure: Lawrence Memorial Public Library, Climax, MI – “The only all-volunteer public library in Michigan“
- Most Modern Architecture: Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence, KS –”LPL’s New Chapter: Smarter, Brighter, Greener, Lawrence“
- Coolest Internal Space: Plainfield Public Library, Plainfield, NJ –”The Reading Rainforest“
- Best Curb Appeal: Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, IA–”Cedar Rapids Public Library “
“Libraries truly make their communities a brighter place and improve the lives of those who use them, and that is so clearly demonstrated by the enormous response we received to our contest with more than 800 submissions and nearly 30,000 votes cast,” said Nader Qaimari, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Gale. “Advocacy on behalf of libraries is an important pillar for us at Gale and we’re so proud to recognize these winning libraries.”
Each “Best of Category” winner will take home $500 and the “Best in Show” winner, Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in Memphis, TN, will take home the $2,500 grand prize. Honorable mention category winners will receive an 11″ x 14″ matted and framed print of the entered photograph. In addition, to celebrate the many wonderful submissions received, Gale will be featuring several photo entries on its corresponding social media channels each week for the next several weeks. To enjoy the wonderful entries received, follow Gale at GaleAcademic, GalePublic and GaleSchool.
For more information on Gale and its commitment to libraries, please visit www.gale.cengage.com.
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About the Author
Kim loves to entertain. She is an avid fan of pro and college sports and her two athletes and college-aged filmmaker. She holds an MBA from Cleary University and a BA from Old Dominion University.
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