Alex L. Ames, a doctoral candidate in history at the University of Delaware, has received the American Library Association's (ALA) 2017 Justin Winsor Essay Award.

The award is presented annually by the association’s Library History Round Table to recognize the best essay written in English on library history. Ames’ essay focused on the German Society of Pennsylvania’s Library in Philadelphia.

Andy Huse, chair of the jury for the Winsor Award, said Ames’ essay focused on an important cultural institution.

“Groups such as the German Society celebrated German American culture while their facilities enshrined it,” Huse said. “ With excellent research and writing and a timely topic of immigration and identity, this essay traces the thread of German American identity and the desire for its recognition through the life and times of the German Society of Pennsylvania’s library and archive.” 

Ames received his master’s degree in 2014 from UD’s Winterthur Program in American Material Culture and is a current student in the History of American Civilization doctoral program and in museum studies.

‘My work on this essay represents the kind of humanities scholarship that we emphasize here at UD, namely decorative arts and material culture study along with public engagement,” Ames said.

The award is named in honor of the distinguished 19th century librarian, historian and bibliographer who was also ALA's first president. It consists of a certificate and a $500 cash award, as well as an invitation to have the winner's essay considered for publication in Information & Culture: A Journal of History.

May 21: German Society bicentennial

Ames will deliver the keynote address at the bicentennial celebration of the German Society of Pennsylvania’s Library, at 611 Spring Garden St. in Philadelphia, on Sunday, May 21.

The event, which takes place from 11a.m. to 1p.m., also includes a hands-on tour of some of the library’s rare and historic treasures, as well as a reception with champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Space is limited, and those wishing to attend should register here by May 5. Tickets are $35.