Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) has been named one of just eight recipients of the 2025 John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in library communications.
Presented by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Core Division and EBSCO Information Services, the award celebrates outstanding achievement in strategic library communications. Winners are also awarded a $10,000 development grant, generously funded by the H.W. Wilson Foundation, and were invited to a ceremony at the ALA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia.
HEPL’s campaign board on display at the John Cotton Dana Awards Ceremony in Philadelphia, Pa. (Photo provided by HEPL)
HEPL was recognized for its impactful “Show Your Library Card and Save” campaign, which connected local businesses and residents in a celebration of community and the power of a library card. This campaign aligned with strategic goals around engagement and growing cardholder numbers. By leveraging community partnerships, demographic insights, and patron feedback, the campaign aimed to raise awareness of the library’s full range of services, especially nontraditional offerings, and connect with new and expanding audiences, resulting in a 17 percent increase in library card registrations.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive this national recognition,” HEPL Director of Marketing and Communications Kelsey Sweet said. “This award reflects the creativity of our team and the enthusiasm of our community. Thank you to ALA Core, EBSCO, the H.W. Wilson Foundation, and most importantly, our amazing patrons and partners who made this campaign such a success.”
And the best part? The campaign returns this September! Stay tuned for the 2025 lineup of local businesses offering exclusive deals and discounts when you show your library card. For more information about the 2024 “Show Your Library Card and Save” campaign, click here.
Also recognized with the 2025 John Cotton Dana Award are the Gail Borden Public Library District – Elgin, Ill.; Hartford Public Library – Hartford, Conn.; Spring Lake District Library – Spring Lake, Mich.; Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library – Stow, Ohio; The Community Library – Ketchum, Idaho; Westmount Public Library – Westmount, Quebec, Canada; and Worcester Public Library – Worcester, Mass.
John Cotton Dana Award recipients at the awards ceremony in Philadelphia, Pa. (Photo provided by HEPL)
About the John Cotton Dana Award
Established in 1946, the John Cotton Dana Award is named after one of the most influential librarians in American history, often called the father of the modern library. The award is administered by the ALA’s Core Division and EBSCO Information Services, with funding from the H.W. Wilson Foundation. It honors libraries that demonstrate innovative, strategic, and effective public relations efforts that elevate the visibility and impact of library services.