ACPL Audio Reading Service Earns International Programming Award

The Allen County Public Library's Audio Reading Service has received international recognition from the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS), earning a 2026 Program Award for excellence in broadcasting.

The award was presented during the IAAIS Annual Conference, held June 9–11, and recognizes programming that was recorded, produced, and broadcast during 2025. The IAAIS represents more than 80 audio information services across the United States, Canada, and Australia that provide access to news, information, and entertainment for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities that make reading print difficult.

The ACPL's Audio Reading Service received top honors in the "Now Hear This" category, which recognizes programming under one minute in length. The winning submission was a promotional announcement encouraging Allen County residents to participate in the ACPL's One County, One Book community reading initiative featuring “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America” by Steve Inskeep.

The award-winning promotion was voiced by volunteer reader Christy Kuziensky, with audio engineering and production by Mark Lahey of the Audio Reading Service team. The promotion invited listeners from across Allen County to join neighbors, book clubs, and community organizations in reading and discussing the same book. In addition to airing the promotional announcement throughout its broadcast schedule, the Audio Reading Service also featured “Differ We Must” as part of its Armchair Reader program, allowing listeners to fully participate in the countywide reading initiative.

"This award is a wonderful recognition of the creativity and dedication our Audio Reading Service staff and volunteers bring to every broadcast," said Susan P. Baier, Executive Director of the Allen County Public Library. "The Audio Reading Service is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the written word. We're proud to see that work recognized on an international stage."

The International Association of Audio Information Services presents annual awards honoring outstanding programming created by member organizations. Entries are evaluated by judges on production quality, creativity, effectiveness, and overall excellence in serving listeners.

The Allen County Public Library's Audio Reading Service provides free access to local newspapers, magazines, books, and community information through live and recorded broadcasts, helping connect listeners to news, literature, and lifelong learning.

For more information about the Audio Reading Service, visit acpl.info/ars or call (260) 421-1376.