COLUMBUS—The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation has announced Tom Dillard, MSSA, LSW as the 2024 recipient of the Julian Sinclair Smith Award. The award’s namesake was the founder of Sinclair Broadcast Group and enthusiastically supported reading, education and lifelong learning. Each year, the Foundation presents the award to honor inspiring individuals living or working in and around Franklin County with a passion for lifelong learning. The award will be presented at the Foundation’s 32nd annual Celebration of Learning fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 1 at Main Library.
A social worker and community activist, Dillard leveraged his education, experience and unwavering commitment to create positive change in Columbus. His upbringing, steeped in African American culture and values, along with memories of his mother reading him stories like The Little Red Hen and The Little Engine That Could, produced his resilient and determined spirit. A graduate of East High School, Muskingum University and Case Western Reserve University, Dillard’s education equipped him with the knowledge and skills to effect real change.
Dillard has been a champion for Columbus City Schools, founding trustee of the Near East Area Housing Board, representative of the Coalition of Concerned Black Citizens and past president of the Poindexter Foundation. His involvement with Columbus Metropolitan Library – as president of the Friends of the Library, donor to the Martin Luther King Branch, event speaker, contributor of historical documents, workshop presenter and levy campaign volunteer – demonstrates his deep commitment to the library’s mission.
Celebration of Learning, the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, will be held at Main Library on Friday, Nov. 1 and feature Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. The 2024 honorary chairs are Lisa and Jeff Edwards and event co-chairs are Rhonda and Charlie Fraas. Event proceeds support the library’s greatest needs and highest priorities.
Visit the Foundation’s Celebration of Learning webpage for more information and to register.
Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial support for the library’s greatest needs and long-range goals through generous private donations, ensuring the library’s collections, programs and services will be available for generations of learners to come. Visit columbuslibrary.org/foundation to learn more.
