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Geneva Public Library staff receiving the 2026 John Cotton Dana Award. 📸 Credit: Geneva Public Library
According to a news release, the Geneva Public Library returned from the American Library Association's annual conference in Chicago with a pair of national honors, including the field's top prize in library public relations.
Here's what to know:
Top honor: The library received the John Cotton Dana Award for its "Fund the Journey: Library Access for All" campaign, widely considered the highest recognition in library PR and marketing. The award comes with a development grant from the H.W. Wilson Foundation.
What the campaign did: "Fund the Journey" raised money to purchase and outfit a dedicated outreach vehicle that will bring library services directly to residents who have difficulty making it to the building. The library says the vehicle is designed to reach people facing barriers to access — whether that's transportation, mobility, or geography.
Second award: The library also picked up a PR Xchange Award for its "One Book, One Community Guide," which supports the library's annual community reading program. The PR Xchange Awards recognize standout library marketing materials across North America.
"This recognition is a testament to the power of community support and our belief that library services should be accessible to everyone," said Christine Lazaris, Library Director. "Fund the Journey was about more than a vehicle. It was about ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to connect with the resources, services, and experiences that enrich lives."
Both awards were presented at the 2026 ALA Annual Conference, which was held in Chicago.
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