The Maryann Manning Special Service Award is a nonmonetary award given annually to an individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment of exceptional and distinguished service to the field of literacy and to ILA. ILA members apply or are nominated by peers for this award. Nominees must admirably serve the field of literacy in some specific capacity or capacities requiring special skills, knowledge, and creative effort. Nominees must achieve results that demonstrate support for the field of literacy. Nominees must be exceptionally generous and tirelessly giving of time and talents as a committee member or officer of a Special Interest Group, AUA chapter, or a local, state, provincial, or national chapter or international affiliate. Nominees who are retired and no longer actively serving on the executive level of an ILA-affiliated organization will still be considered for the award provided that they are still actively involved with the organization in some other capacity. To be eligible, candidates must be ILA members in good standing and maintain active membership through June 30, 2027. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation citing exceptionally generous and tireless giving of time and talent as a committee member or officer of a Special Interest Group, AUA chapter, or a local, state, provincial, or national chapter or affiliate. Please visit the award's website or contact the International Literacy Association for more information.