The Francis “Bud” Barnes Outstanding Legislator Award is sponsored by the Legislative Committee and is given annually to a Missouri legislator in recognition of exceptional contributions to the welfare of Missouri’s libraries. The award is named in honor of State Representative Francis (Bud) Barnes (District 96) whose long devotion to Missouri libraries and whose contributions to library-related legislation are gratefully acknowledged. The Legislative Committee, along with the MLA Legislative Advocate and the Missouri State Librarian meet every summer. During that meeting those assembled discuss whether a legislator or legislators distinguished themselves in an exceptional way that would merit the award. If the committee determines that no one has significantly distinguished him or herself, the committee may choose not to make the award for that year. The MLA Legislative Advocate provides the plaque for the Award. The award winner is always invited to the annual awards banquet. However, it is more likely that the award will be presented in Jefferson City at the following Library Advocacy Day.
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization operating to promote library service, the profession of librarianship, and cooperation among all types of libraries and organizations concerned with library service in the State of Missouri. Founded in 1900, MLA is proudly beginning a second century of service.