The Bozeman Public Library Foundation is seeking nominations for the 4th 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 14, 2012.

The award was created in 2008 as a way of honoring those who have supported and helped build the rich cultural community enjoyed by residents of the Gallatin Valley.  “The Cornerstone Award has become a coveted honor, recognizing people who share the Foundation’s vision of the Library as a ‘cornerstone of our community’s high quality of life’.” said Paula Beswick, Foundation Director. “We are eager to gather nominations for the many worthy individuals among us who fit this description.”

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.  Alan Kesselheim was the well-deserved winner of the 2011 award for his 20+ years of volunteering with the Library as a member of the Friends, a Trustee, and now a Foundation board member, as well as an acclaimed author of a nine books.

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, 2012, through March 1, 2012.  For complete guidelines and an application form, please visit the Bozeman Public Library website at www.bozemanlibrary.org, www.bozemanlibraryfoundation.org  or contact Program Coordinator Jeannie Gracey-Etgen at 582-2425.