Purpose of the Committee

The ILA Book Award is the premier book award in the state, known and recognized by book people of all stripes, and coveted by writers and publishers. To be named recipient of the annual Idaho Library Association Book of the Year Award is an honor every Idaho writer should covet and work toward. As Committee members, we have the privilege of working to uphold and enhance the integrity, quality, and value of the award.

Functions of the Committee

To promote interest in books related to Idaho and to encourage their production. To keep informed on the release of such books and to evaluate their contribution on the basis of their merit, treatment of Idaho life, interpretation of our Idaho heritage, and possible value to the permanent record of the state."

Current ILA Book Award Committee Members:

• Ruth Patterson Funabiki, Chair, University of Idaho Library, funabiki@uidaho.edu
• Maryann Boehmke, University of Idaho Library, mab@uidaho.edu
• Diane Broom, Boise Public Library, dbroom@cityofboise.org
• Romana Hillebrand, Washington State University
• Jim Jatkevicius, Boise Public Library, jjatkevicius@cityofboise.org
• Ann Mercaldo, Marshall Public Library, amercaldo@marshallpl.org
• Diane Newcomer, East Bonner County Free Library, diane@ebcl.lib.id.us
• Sam Nielson, BYU-Idaho Library, nielsons@byui.edu
• Kathryn Poulter, Marshall Public Library, kpoulter@marshallpl.org
• Jane Somerville, Stanley Library, stanlib@ruralnetwork.net
• Sheila Winther, Idaho Commission for Libraries, sheila.winther@libraries.idaho.gov