Crandall Public Library Board of Trustees will again recognize an outstanding member of the library community by awarding the fourth annual Henry Crandall Award to an individual selected from public nominations.
Nominations are now open for the 2013 Henry Crandall Award, libray officials said. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate an individual they feel meets the criteria outlined below. The recipient will be honored during the library’s annual gala on Sept. 6.
Crandall Public Library presents the Henry Crandall Award annually to one individual whose actions exemplify the values and legacy of Library founder Henry Crandall (1821-1913). Crandall, Glens Falls’ “Grand Old Man,” was an entrepreneurial lumberjack who wisely invested in a lumber business during the mid 1800s.
Library officials noted his company’s star-shaped log mark appears in the award logo, a symbol of his hard work and perseverance. After his retirement, Crandall dedicated his life to bettering his community and, as such, became known as one of Glens Falls’ greatest philanthropists.
His concern for quality of life, education, and the welfare of children was demonstrated through many acts of generosity and kindness, both small and grand, according to the library. His contributions include many of Glens Falls’ greatest assets, such as Crandall Public Library, Crandall Park, and City Park.
As important as the structures and spaces he founded, Crandall’s legacy can be found in the resounding influence he has had on a community that, more than a century after his passing, continues to embrace and reflect his altruistic spirit, officials said.
The recipient of the Henry Crandall Award will:
• Reflect the positive values of Henry Crandall, including generosity, perseverance, loyalty, compassion, civic pride, and philanthropy.
• Have affected the improvement of the community.
• Have demonstrated commitment to Crandall Public Library.
• Have resided or worked in the Southern Adirondack Library System service area.
• Is not currently a Crandall Public Library employee, trustee, or Friends board member. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. (No posthumous nominations). Past recipients are Richard J. Bartlett, principal in the law firm Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, PC; Christopher H. Scoville, owner of Scoville Jewelers; and state Sen. Betty Little.
Nomination forms may be downloaded from the library website (www.crandalllibrary.com) or picked up at any of the library’s public desks.
For a candidate to be considered, the nominator must complete a nomination form and essay and submit them to Crandall Public Library (Attn: Henry Crandall Award) by mail, in person, or via e-mail. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Nominations will be reviewed and a recipient selected by the Library Board of Trustees. The 2013 award recipient will be announced May 1.
The award will be presented during the Library’s gala benefit, held at The Queensbury Hotel.
For more information, visit www.crandalllibrary.org or call 792-6508, extension 284. Nominations may be mailed or hand-delivered to Crandall Public Library, Attn: Henry Crandall Award, 251 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. They may also be e-mailed to lshanks@sals.edu.