Hartford Public Library Receives the John Cotton Dana Award
[Hartford, CT | July 1, 2025] Hartford Public Library (HPL) is proud to announce that it received the John Cotton Dana Award (JCD), which recognizes excellence in strategic library communications. The annual award recognizes outstanding public relations efforts that elevate the visibility and impact of library services.
An award ceremony was held over the weekend at the American Library Association (ALA) conference in Philadelphia, PA. HPL was one of eight libraries, out of over 160 entries, to win the award. To accept the award, HPL’s Communications and Marketing Director, Jessica Emonds, was present, along with Bridget E. Quinn, HPL President and CEO; Marie Jarry, HPL Chief Operating Officer; and Bonnie Solberg, HPL Director of Public Service.
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2025 John Cotton Dana Award for our 250th anniversary campaign,” said Bridget E. Quinn, HPL President and CEO. “This recognition reflects our team’s passion for reimagining how a historic institution like ours can engage and delight our community.”
HPL was selected for its 2024 communications and marketing efforts, which included a year-long campaign celebrating HPL’s 250th anniversary. This campaign reinforced HPL's evolving role in the community and highlights included a new brand launch, a city-wide scavenger hunt, a parade, a custom-brewed beer fundraiser, and the reopening of the Downtown Library after major renovations. Through creative programming, community engagement, and award-winning marketing, HPL showcased its enduring impact and vision for the future.
HPL’s Communications and Marketing Director, Jessica Emonds, accepting the 2025 John Cotton Dana Award at the American Library Association conference.
“I am truly proud of what Hartford Public Library accomplished during our 250th year. It was filled with joy, creativity, and deep community connection,” said Jessica Emonds, HPL’s Communication and Marketing Director. “It is an honor to be selected and included alongside the other seven incredible libraries and their award-winning marketing strategies. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of Hartford Public Library’s staff.”
The JCD award was inaugurated in 1946 at the ALA annual conference by the H.W. Wilson Foundation and is considered the most prestigious of all library awards in the public relations field. Administered by the ALA Core Division in partnership with EBSCO Information Services, the award includes a $10,000 grant funded by the H.W. Wilson Foundation.
HPL is honored to be included among other libraries sharing this achievement.
Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL
Hamilton East Public Library, Noblesville, INSpring Lake District Library, Spring Lake, MI
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, Stow, OH
The Community Library, Ketchum, ID
Westmount Public Library, Westmount, Quebec, Canada
Worcester Public Library, Worcester, MA
About Hartford Public Library Founded as the Library Company in 1774, and over its 250 years, Hartford Public Library (HPL) has remained at the forefront of redefining the urban library experience in the 21st century. The Library has seven full-service locations, two Boundless Library locations, and multiple outreach services, including the Library on Wheels and Story Stash, a 24-7 pickup locker. HPL provides education, intellectual enrichment, and cultural development for thousands of children, youth, and adults. HPL has gained local and national recognition for its wide range of new initiatives and partnerships designed to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic city and region, including immigration services, employment assistance, and youth leadership training. For more information, visit hplct.org, and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bluesky)