Launched in 2007, The 3 Apples Book Award is awarded annually in three different categories: Young Reader, Children, and Teen. The award was developed to encourage the joys of reading for pleasure. What makes the award unique is that titles are culled and nominated entirely by kids, for kids. School and Children’s Librarians from across the state oversee the process, but the titles chosen are generated entirely by participating youth.

In 1991, NYLA/SSL established the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature. It recognizes a New York State author who has demonstrated, through a body of work, a consistently superior quality which supports the curriculum and the educational goals of New York State Schools.The award is named for a group of 19th century New York State authors who wished to nurture a national literature. It is presented annually to a living author/illustrator currently residing in New York State.

Application Deadlines: March 12, 2024

This award recognizes an Elementary Administrator who has been responsible for initiation, maintenance, and/or the improvement of an Elementary School Library Program in a New York state district during the past 3-5 years. The recipient will receive a plaque acknowledging their support of the School Library Program and will be our guest at the SSL Conference Banquet.

Qualifications:

• The nominating person must be a current member of NYLA/SSL.

• The administrator has been supportive of the School Library Program of the district.

This award recognizes a Secondary or District Administrator who has been responsible for initiation, maintenance, and/or the improvement of a Secondary School Library Program in a New York state district during the past 3-5 years. The recipient will receive a plaque acknowledging their support of the School Library Program and will be our guest at the SSL Conference Banquet.

Qualifications:

• The nominating person must be a current member of NYLA/SSL.

• The administrator has been supportive of the School Library Program of the district.

Application Deadlines: March 12, 2024

This award/scholarship is given to an individual who is currently enrolled in a MLS program working towards the School Library Media Certification. The recipient will receive $1000 from the Beatrice E. Griggs Endowment to go towards their educational expenses, PLUS registration costs for the SSL Conference. You must be able to attend the conference in its entirety. 

Qualifications:

• The nominating person MUST be a current member of NYLA/SSL.

• Applicant MUST have completed 15 credit hours toward certification as a school library media specialist in an ALA accredited MLS program inside or outside of New York State.

• Applicant MUST be currently enrolled in the program.

• Applicant MUST be able to attend the entire SSL conference.

These scholarships recognize a School Librarian seeking professional benefits through the continuing education opportunities and collegiality provided by attending a SSL Conference in its entirety. The applicant also should be a leader or emerging leader in the area of school librarianship. Each recipient will receive $500 towards conference expenses.

Qualifications:

•  Applicant MUST be a current member of NYLA/SSL.

•  Applicant may be a direct service school librarian OR a library school student.

•  Laura Wedge applicant MUST be a direct service school librarian in New York State for at least 10 years.

•  Applicant MUST be able to attend the entire SSL conference.

These scholarships recognize school librarians who want to gain leadership skills and professional growth through continuing education in the collegial and informal atmosphere provided at the Carol A. Kearney Summer Leadership Institute. The applicant should also be a leader or emerging leader in the area of school librarianship. Each recipient will receive the cost of registration and one night in a hotel.  You must be able to attend the institute in its entirety.

Qualifications:

•  Applicant MUST be a current NYLA/SSL member.

•  Applicant may be a direct service School Librarian OR a Library Student.

•  Applicant MUST be able to attend the entire Leadership Institute (Dates TBD)