2011 Indiana Authors Award Recipients Honored

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- James Whitcomb Riley. Kurt Vonnegut. Ernie Pyle. James Alexander Thom. These recognizable names and others demonstrate the best of Indiana's influence on the nation's literary landscape – up until now. Presented last month, the 2011 Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award named three additional authors with Indiana ties to the list of the state's literary greats.

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After hundreds of nominations were received from the public and reviewed by a prestigious statewide panel, three authors emerged as shining examples of what Indiana continues to offer readers. On October 29, The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation presented the National Author award to Margaret McMullan while Helen Frost received the Regional Author award and Micah Ling received the Emerging Author award, thanks to the generosity of The Glick Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

"Now in its third year, we're so pleased that the Award continues to recognize the contributions of Indiana authors to the literary landscape in Indiana and across the nation," said Danny R. Dean, president of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. "Indiana has a rich tradition in cultivating talented authors, which is clearly demonstrated by this year's awards. And special thanks to the Glick family for their ongoing willingness to help us showcase Indiana authors."

The Awards Program included a public program celebrating Indiana authors and an Award Dinner, which raised more than $68,000 for the Library Foundation. Award-winning authors, along with their hometown Indiana libraries, each received grants ranging from $2,500 - $10,000.

"I am so honored to be named as this year's National Award recipient," said Evansville-based Margaret McMullan. "I moved to Indiana about 21 years ago to teach at the University of Evansville, and I've grown to love this state, its people and its strong literary heritage. I feel privileged and humbled to be a part of tonight's program and all that this award celebrates, including the ongoing value of public libraries."   

The Call for Nominations for the 2012 Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award will commence early next year. To learn more, contact The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation at (317) 275-4700 or visit www.indianaauthorsaward.org.

Members of the Glick Family are some of the most generous philanthropists in Indiana. In addition to establishing the Indiana Authors Award with the Library Foundation, Glick charitable funds have invested substantially in Indiana educational institutions, arts organizations, hospitals and the Pro-100 program, a leadership program for underprivileged youth.

The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation supports and enhances programs, services and facilities of the Indianapolis Public Library through advocacy, fundraising and stewardship for its early literacy programs, homework assistance, workforce development and technologies, including a variety of online library resources.

SOURCE Indianapolis Public Library Foundation