The Adult Services Department of the Deerfield Public Library is the recipient of the 2018 Illinois Library Association Readers’ Advisory Service Award.
The award, presented and sponsored by the Adult Reading Round Table, recognizes excellence in the planning, development and delivery of readers’ advisory service to adults and teens. Deerfield’s Adult Services Department was selected for their innovative, impactful Read Without Boundaries program.
This year-long program was launched in January 2018 to challenge patrons to read outside their comfort zone, with the goal of strengthening the community, broadening understanding of others, and providing insight into different cultures, opinions, and perspectives.
Each month of the program features a selected theme meant to challenge patrons to read one title that promotes empathy or understanding. Readers receive prizes for individual challenges and completing the overall program. The program is an adult program, but adults of all abilities are encouraged to participate, regardless of reading level.
Claire Steiner, Head of Adult Services, cites positive feedback from participants, stating: “Many participants expressed that they would never have read a book like the one they chose had it not been for the challenge. The program has provided the Deerfield community with a multitude of opportunities to grow as readers and thinkers.”