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Submissions Now Open for the 2026 John Cotton Dana Awards

The American Library Association (ALA) Core Division has announced that submissions for the 2026 John Cotton Dana Award (JCD) are now being accepted. This award, a hallmark of achievement in library public relations, has been an honor recognizing excellence in library marketing and communications for eight decades.

Since its inception, the John Cotton Dana Award has celebrated outstanding achievements in library promotional initiatives. With a financial backing of $10,000 from the H.W. Wilson Foundation, the award aims to identify the most impactful library marketing campaigns across the United States. The deadline for submissions is March 13, 2026, with applications to be submitted electronically.

Who Can Apply?

Libraries of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to participate, including public, academic, and private institutions. Additionally, Friends groups, consulting agencies, or service providers may apply, except for those currently represented on the JCD committee. This is a wonderful opportunity for libraries that have implemented innovative strategies and communication efforts over the past year.

What Types of Projects are Eligible?

Submissions should highlight strategic communications campaigns conducted in the past year. These can include a variety of initiatives such as:

• - Rebranding efforts
• - Archive promotions
• - Community awareness campaigns
• - Partnerships with other agencies or organizations
• - Special events and programming

Winning campaigns are typically those that demonstrate creativity in marketing and the effective use of new technologies, while also clearly defining goals and measuring outcomes. A maximum of eight winners will be selected, representing a diverse range of library budgets and sizes, and will be honored at the ALA’s Annual Conference in June 2026.

History of the Award

The John Cotton Dana Award was first awarded in 1946 by The H.W. Wilson Company and is named in honor of John Cotton Dana (1856-1929), a pioneering librarian often referred to as the father of the modern library. The annual awards continue to recognize and celebrate exemplary library efforts that improve community engagement and promote information access.

About the H.W. Wilson Foundation

Established in 1952 by Halsey W. Wilson, the foundation originally aimed to assist employees and retirees of the Wilson Company. Over the years, it has expanded its mission to include financial support for charitable and educational initiatives that benefit a broad audience. It has consistently championed causes that enhance the collective well-being of various communities.

Looking Forward

As the library community gears up for the 2026 John Cotton Dana Awards, libraries are urged to reflect on their communication strategies and consider submitting their best work. For further details, including submission forms and guidelines, interested parties can visit the official JCD Awards website. The winners will be publicly announced in June 2026, and this will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the exciting advancements in library marketing and outreach across the nation.

This year’s awards are not just about recognizing excellence; they are about shining a light on the vital role libraries play in fostering knowledge, community, and culture. The ALA, alongside EBSCO Information Services, looks forward to celebrating these achievements in the field of library public relations.