USBBY Bridge to Understanding Award
The Bridge to Understanding Award formally acknowledges the work of adults who create programs that use children’s books to explore cultures around the world in order to promote international understanding among children. These programs should be based in a broad understanding of culture as ways of living and being in the world that go beyond the surface features of food, fashion, folklore, famous people, and festivals.This prestigious award was established in memory of Arlene Pillar, an educator who served USBBY as newsletter editor from 1984 until her untimely death in 1990. Organizations eligible for this award include schools, libraries, scout troops, clubs, and bookstores. The program may be a one-time event or an ongoing series that serves children ranging in age from kindergarten through tenth grade. The award carries a monetary prize of $1000 and a certificate.
Kids Share Workshops, Inc. of Central Vermont is the winner of the 2010 Bridge to Understanding Award sponsored by the United States Board of Books for Young People (USBBY), for its innovative arts and book-making projects to raise awareness of global cultures (complete press release).
The Public Library of East Lansing is the winner of the 2008 Bridge to Understanding Award sponsored by the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), for its program, "International Storytime." (complete press release).
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Children´s Learning Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, is the winner of the 2007 Bridge to Understanding Award sponsored by the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), for its program, "Ni Hao! China for Kids." (complete press release)