Local Library Wins National Marketing Award

Plainfield Library Display Wins National Award

Plainfield Area Public Library’s “100 Years” display has been honored with an American Library Association (ALA) PR Xchange Award this May. The PR Xchange Awards are prestigious annual honors recognizing excellence in library marketing and public relations, celebrating outstanding promotional materials created by libraries across North America. PAPL was one of three winners in the Exhibits category.

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Founded in 1876, the American Library Association is the world’s oldest and largest library association and the leading professional organization for librarians and information specialists. Its mission is to promote high-quality library services, protect intellectual freedom, and ensure equitable access to information.

The exhibit, displayed on five large banners, was created for the Library’s 100th anniversary in 2025. It highlights how the Library and the world have changed over the past century, including the evolution of library branding and cards, a timeline of Library milestones alongside world events, and popular books across the decades.

A collaborative team effort brought together staff expertise in local history and graphic design to create a display that blends education and celebration.

Library Director Lisa Pappas said, “We are absolutely thrilled by this recognition from the ALA, which is truly the gold standard in our profession. To stand out and win against 236 entries from across the country is a wonderful achievement. For this honor to be in recognition of the Library’s 100th anniversary celebration materials is the icing on the cake. Kudos to the staff on this award!”

Staff will accept the award at the PR Xchange Award Ceremony on June 27, 2026, at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.

Read the Core PR Xchange Committee’s press release that includes a full list of winners here: ALA PR Xchange Awards Announcement