Palatine Library employee selected as 2024 recipient of Illinois Library Association Crosman Memorial Award

Palatine Library is excited to announce that staff member Selicia Applegate has been named the recipient of the Illinois Library Association’s 2024 Crosman Memorial Award for New Library Workers.

According to ILA, The Crosman Memorial Award for New Library Workers recognizes the achievements of library workers who are new or relatively new to the field and encourages continued involvement in the profession. This award was named in memory of Alex Crosman, director of the Peoria Public Library at the time of his death in 1986.

Applegate began working at the library in 2015, as a technology associate and was promoted to Makerspace coordinator in 2022, where she oversees The Workshop Lab. She has been instrumental in making The Workshop a thriving creative hub. Last February, Applegate organized and led the creation of an eight- by seven-foot freedom quilt made in the Workshop Lab with donated materials and equipment. This program ran in honor of Black History Month and culminated in an unveiling at the 360 Chicago’s Juneteenth Celebration event in the Hancock Center.

“Nothing that I do here would be possible without the supportive staff in the Workshop. I truly love working here and interacting with the community on various projects, and I’m passionate about reaching all that can benefit from our services,” Applegate said.

Applegate hosts a variety of programs in the Workshop Lab that welcome members to learn new technology and design skills along with connecting the community to local creators. She has supported her colleagues by creating training series on Workshop software and equipment, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to the library’s mission.

“I’m so proud of her accomplishments and thankful for her innovation and dedication to the Workshop,” said Susan Conner, assistant director of Palatine Library.

Applegate will be presented with the award at the 2024 Illinois Library Association Conference on Oct. 8, in Peoria.

The vision of Palatine Library District is to inspire connection, curiosity, and joy. The District serves approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within the communities of