WORCESTER – The American Library Association awarded the Worcester Public Library a 2025 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award for its March Meowness campaign.
The award, the most prestigious awarded by the American Library Association, was issued to eight libraries in 2025. Each award recipient also wins a $10,000 grant.
In May, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions awarded the PressReader International Marketing Award to the Worcester Public Library for its March Meowness campaign.
The Worcester Public Library first launched March Meowness in 2024. The campaign invites library patrons to post photos of their cats to have their overdue fines and lost item fees waived. Worcester Public Library says the campaign reengaged hundreds of patrons, especially those from marginalized communities.
“March Meowness was about more than cats, it was about dignity, second chances, and ensuring everyone feels welcome at their library,” said Jason Homer, Executive Director of Worcester Public Library. “We are honored that the American Library Association and the H.W. Wilson Foundation have recognized this work. This award celebrates not just our staff, but every patron who returned, reconnected, and reminded us why libraries matter.”
Established in 1946, the John Cotton Dana Award recognizes outstanding library public relations and strategic communications. The awards were presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference on Saturday, June 28, in Philadelphia.
The other 2025 award winners are:
- Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL;
- Hamilton East Public Library, Noblesville, IN;
- Hartford Public Library, Hartford, CT;
- Spring Lake District Library, Spring Lake, MI;
- Stow‑Munroe Falls Public Library, Stow, OH;
- The Community Library, Ketchum, ID; and
- Westmount Public Library, Westmount, QC, Canada.
