Each year the Worcester Public Library Foundation presents two awards. The Dr. Richard E. Greene Founders Award and the Dr. William F. and Betty O’Neil Service Award.

Dr. Richard E. Greene Founders Award – The Founders Award is presented annually to an individual or organization showing dedication to the mission of the Worcester Public Library Foundation (WPLF).  Dr. Richard E. Greene, in addition to being a retired president of three universities and colleges, is a lifelong library advocate, who has previously served as president of both the WPLF and the Worcester Public Library (WPL) Board of Directors. Dr. Greene, along with other prominent members of the Worcester community and former Head Librarian Penelope Johnson, spearheaded efforts to develop the WPLF as a model for private sector fund-raising to ensure the vitality of the WPL.

Past Greene Award Recipients:    Patricia Eppinger (2013); Michael V. O’Brien (2014); OCOL Principals: Erin Dobson, Ellen Kelley, Kendall Grigg, Deborah Catamero (2015); College of the Holy Cross (2016); Dr. Gail E. Carberry (2017); Hanover Insurance Group Foundation (2018); Warner S. Fletcher (2019); The Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Foundation (2020); City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. (2021); Mark and Jan Fuller (2022); Senate President Emerita Harriette L. Chandler (2023)

Dr. William F. and Betty O’Neil Service Award – The Service Award is presented annually to recognize an individual or group for their quiet dedication, contribution and allegiance to the WPLF, the WPL, and its constituents. Dr. William and Betty O’Neil’s long-time service and commitment to the library has signaled to others in the greater Worcester community, the importance of our mission and has been instrumental in the WPLF’s successes over the years.

Past O’Neil Award Recipients: Dr. Robert Sorrenti (2019); Friends of WPL and Denise E. Nangle (posthumously) (2020); Associate Library Director Sulma Rubert-Silva (2021); Stephanie E. Pasha (2022); Christine Weinrobe (2023)