Excellence Awards

The Excellence Awards recognize outstanding library performance in southeast Kansas at the Annual Meeting.
There are eight categories of Excellence Awards, with the deadline for entry on July 15.
In any given year, the System may give one or more awards in any of the categories, but no more than five awards will be given in any year.
The recipient receives a trophy, and their library receives a $1,000 check.
Their name is also added to a traveling plaque for that category of award.
Learn more about: Nominating and other guidelines and the Nomination Form.

Recipients of SEKLS Excellence Awards

2024
Trustee Norma Sandusky, Altamont Public Library
Library Staff Chanelle Gontarz, Chanute Public Library
Special Project Greenwood County Libraries – Discover Your Next Chapter
Rookie of the Year Jessie Hoag, Toronto Public Library

2023
Library Fort Scott Public Library
Trustee Stephanie Brown, Pleasanton Lincoln Library

2022
Rookie of the Year Christine Inman, Madison Public Library
Special Project LitWit program, Kandi Wilson, Chanute Public Library

2020
Rookie of the Year Bonnie Palmer, Weir Public Library
Distinguished Service Susan Willis, Chanute Public Library

2019
Trustee Dana Denton, Howard City Library
Library Staff Becky Passauer, Independence Public Library

2018
Library Savonburg Public Library
Library Director Karen Eshelman, Howard City Library
Library Staff May Damron, Toronto Public Library
Library Staff Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library