The Bozeman Public Library Foundation is seeking nominations for the 3rd annual Cornerstone Award.  This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to literature, libraries, and learning in the Gallatin Valley and is presented annually at the Cornerstone Celebration: Honoring Arts and Ideas during National Library Week.  This year’s Cornerstone Celebration will be held on April 16, 2011.

Nominations are encouraged and welcome from the general public. The award is open to any Gallatin Valley resident, past or present, whose personal and/or professional experience is deemed relevant to or inherently connected with the Bozeman Public Library.  Nominations will be received beginning on January 1, 2011, through February 15, 2011.

The award was created in 2009 as a way of honoring those who have supported and helped build the rich cultural community enjoyed by residents of the Gallatin Valley.

“We live in such a great community full of people who love and support the Bozeman Public Library. Honoring only one person annually clearly doesn’t do justice to the scores of people who have contributed the Library’s success, but it is a perfect way to recognize an individual who has really gone above and beyond,” said Paula Beswick, Foundation Director. “The award honors someone who exemplifies the Foundation’s vision of the Library being a ‘cornerstone of our community’s high quality of life’.”

The inaugural award was presented to Country Bookshelf owner and operator Mary Jane DiSanti in April of 2009. Broadcast journalist and producer George Cole was the recipient in 2010 for not only for his tireless advocacy of the library, but for his continued commitment to fostering a sense of community through thoughtful and interesting civic dialogue.

For complete guidelines and an application form, please visit the Bozeman Public Library Foundation website at  www.bozemanlibraryfoundation.org or contact Program Coordinator Jeannie Gracey-Etgen at 406/582-2425.