Connecticut Center for the Book at the Hartford Public Library received the 2002 Boorstin Center for the Book Award for its World of Words program and other innovative and cooperative projects that stimulate public interest in books and reading throughout the state.

Connecticut Center for the Book Coordinator Kat Lyons accepted the award at the annual "idea exchange day" held this May at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

"Receiving the 2002 Boorstin Center for the Book Award is a great honor and grand validation of the World of Words project, specifically, as well as of our numerous other endeavors," said Lyons.

World of Words (WOW) was developed by the Connecticut Center for the Book to annually celebrate the literature and culture of the many ethnic groups that thrive in the state.

The Boorstin Center for the Book Award, which comes with a cash prize of $5,000, is supported by an endowment established by Daniel J. Boorstin and his wife, Ruth. Dr. Boorstin created the Center for the Book in 1977 when he was Librarian of Congress. The Boorstin award, presented annually since 1997, recognizes and supports achievements of specific state centers for their contributions to the overall national program and objectives.

The Connecticut Center for the Book at the Hartford Public Library was established in 1997 to celebrate books, writers and readers who engender and sustain the life of the imagination and to highlight authors, illustrators, printers and the literary heritage of the State of Connecticut.