| By Thorndike Staff |
Congratulations to Catherine Macri, Library Director at Soldiers Memorial Library (SML), for winning the first annual Thorndike Press Champions of Large Print Scholarship!
Created in partnership between Thorndike Press and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), this scholarship honors the profound impact that librarians can make with large print, from enhancing accessibility to supporting literacy to fostering a love of reading.
Catherine’s work championing large print at her small library exemplifies the spirit of this award. We’re thrilled to name her our first scholarship recipient and we look forward to seeing the future impact she makes advocating for large print in her library and beyond.
How Catherine Champions Large Print at Soldiers Memorial Library
Soldiers Memorial Library serves a population of approximately 1,600 in Hiram, Maine. As SML’s only paid staff member, Catherine leads her library’s mission of fostering lifelong learning and community connection. Regular programming includes Story Hour, STEAM Club, a robust Summer reading program, book talks, educational workshops, and more.
Even with the limited resources of a small library, large print remains a top priority at SML. According to Catherine, “Some patrons are elderly or have visual impairments, and others—both children and adults—face learning challenges that make traditional print difficult to manage. Our large print collection directly addresses these needs, allowing more patrons to enjoy reading comfortably and confidently.”
“Our large print collection plays a vital role in making reading accessible to our rural community.” —Catherine Macri
In the Adult Fiction section at SML, large print books are clearly marked and easy to find in a dedicated section. “This visibility has encouraged patrons to explore the collection,” says Catherine. “Many now rely on it as their preferred format.”
For younger readers, SML integrates youth large print titles directly into their youth collection with discreet red stickers. This reduces stigma while expanding accessibility for developing readers. According to Catherine, “This simple approach has helped children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties participate more fully in the selection of a book.”
Forecasting an Impactful Future with Large Print
Catherine has plans to grow SML’s large print collection and find new ways to include the format in community-wide reading initiatives to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for everyone in her small, rural community. “I make a point to recommend [large print] to families, caregivers, and individual patrons, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors can find materials that meet their needs,” says Catherine. “We’ve seen an increase in both usage and donations of large print titles.”
By becoming involved with ARSL as the Thorndike Press Champions of Large Print Scholarship recipient, Catherine will have more opportunities to network with other librarians and explore innovative ideas for programming and outreach.
“I strive to foster a space where all patrons feel welcome, respected, and seen. With additional training and resources—such as those offered through the ARSL Conference—I hope to continue developing programs and collections that reflect and serve the full diversity of our community.” —Catherine Macri
Equipping Our Scholarship Winner for Success
As our scholarship recipient for 2025, Catherine will receive a $2,500 award to support her attendance at the 2025 ARSL Conference, happening September 17–20, 2025. These funds will cover conference registration, lodging, and travel reimbursements, as well as a one-year membership to ARSL. Catherine will also receive a $500 Thorndike Press gift certificate to expand SML’s large print collection.
We look forward to recognizing Catherine’s achievements during the ARSL Awards Ceremony and hope that these awards will make a difference in championing accessibility and meeting the needs of patrons at SML.
A huge thanks to Catherine and every library dedicated to sharing the large print difference with their communities! Please keep an eye out for our Champions of Large Print Scholarship call for submissions next year. Any librarians advocating for large print in small and rural communities are welcome to apply.