Each year CLEL honors librarians and organizations that exemplify CLEL’s vision of Early Literacy for All.
Awards are announced at the annual conference and selected by the Steering Committee from a pool of nominated candidates.
CLEL HERO AWARD (Individual)
The CLEL Hero award is a career achievement award for outstanding generosity to Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy and/or the support of early literacy in the state.
2022: Polly Gallagher, Grand County Library District
2021: Betsy Brainard, Arapahoe Libraries
2020: Lori Romero, Arapahoe Libraries
2019: Kristin Grabarak, Denver Public Library
2018: Adam Gonzales, Cañon City Public Library
2017: Sherry Pearson, Spanish Peaks Library District
2016: Melissa Depper, Arapahoe Library District
2015: Beth Crist, Colorado State Library
CLEL RISING STAR AWARD (Individual)
The CLEL Rising Star Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional work in early literacy. This person may be newer to the field and a rising star who inspires others to do outstanding early literacy work.
2022: Angelique Velasco, Lafayette Public Library
2021: Julia Makowski, Buena Vista Public Library
2020: Carolyn Valencia, High Plains Library District
2018: Julie Crab, Anythink Library District
Previous Award Titles
CLEL ROCK STAR AWARD
The Early Literacy Rock Star award will go to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional work in early literacy.
2017: Robyn Lupa, Jeffco Public Library
2016: Lizz Martensen, Montrose Regional Library
CLEL CHAMPION AWARD (Individual)
For outstanding commitment to the promotion of early literacy throughout the state of Colorado and consistent support of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy.
2014: Lt. Governor Joseph Garcia
2013: Lisa Dengerink, Denver Public Library
CLEL CORPORATE AWARD (Organization)
For outstanding commitment to the promotion of early literacy throughout the state of Colorado and consistent support of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy.
2022: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Colorado
2021: LENA
2020: Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation
2018: Oakwood Homes (for support of the Denver Public Library Read Aloud Program)
2017: VROOM
2016: Bright by Three
2015: Rocky Mountain PBS
Previously: CLEL CHAMPION AWARD (Organization)
For outstanding generosity to the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy and the support of early literacy in the state of Colorado.
2014: 1st Plymouth Church
