The Bozeman Public Library Foundation is seeking nominations for the 7th 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 18, 2015.
 
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 former Country Bookshelf owner Mary Jane DiSanti in April of 2009.  Broadcast journalist and producer George Cole was the recipient in 2010 for his tireless advocacy of the library, and 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, a Foundation board member, and an acclaimed author of over nine books. The 2012 award went to Jan Zauha, Montana State University reference librarian and professor for her passionate commitment to bringing books, literature, and discussion to our community, as well as her continual promotion of public libraries. David Quammen, author of the critically acclaimed book “Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic,” was the recipient of the 2013 award for his life contributions to literature, the library and local learning.  April 2014, Jack and Barbara Kligerman received the first joint award for volunteering at the library for the past 11 years, participating in multiple book clubs and offering classes in music and literature for Wonderlust, a program of Montana States Extended University.  As a dynamic duo, they have spent hours organizing and participating in readings at the Library featuring literary greats such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Mark Twain and Shakespeare.
 
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, 2015, through March 6, 2015.  For complete guidelines
and an application form, please visit the Bozeman Public Library website at www.bozemanlibraryfoundation.org, or contact Development & Programs Manager, Sarah DeOpsomer at 582-2425.