The Library has been highlighting many Neumann stories and artifacts this year as we celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the beautiful legacy built by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. There will be another landmark celebration as the 25^th presentation of the Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature will take place on April 29, 2026. The members of the Bock Book Award Committee spent the fall semester poring over nearly 70 submissions to ultimately choose the recipient of the 25^th award, named for Frances and Wesley Bock. The winner selected for this prestigious award is A Home the Means the World, by Victoria Turnbull.

Frances and Wesley Bock were the owners of a store in Philadelphia named Kilner's, specializing in religious equipment, clothing, and supplies. As sales representatives to the Sisters of St. Francis, the Bocks grew to be quite fond of the Sisters and their friendship and patronage grew for the remainder of their lives. When the Bocks had both passed away, their family chose to honor their memory and their beloved friendship with the Sisters of St. Francis by creating the Bock Book Award for Children’s literature in their name. The award is given annually and recognizes values-oriented picture books which inspire reverence and compassion for creation, in all its diversity. The criteria for the award align well with the core values of Neumann University; values which celebrate the uniqueness and dignity of others and promote a sense of stewardship as citizens of the local and global community.

This summer, the Library called on members of the community to help celebrate both landmark anniversaries. In support of Neumann’s anniversary-year pledge of 60,000 hours of volunteer service, community members dedicated their time to preparing for and hosting 24 different story hours, one in honor of each past Bock Book Award recipient. For six weeks, children from across the Delaware Valley came to the Library to hear award-winning stories read aloud and learn more about the Sisters, Neumann University, service, and the Bock family. After the stories, volunteers helped children create “birthday” decorations which will be on display at the next Bock Book Award presentation ceremony. Attendees, including Alumni, Faculty and students from the CDC, were also encouraged to record their own acts of service as part of the university campaign; a QR code for tracking service hours adorned coloring sheets which were distributed to every child in attendance.

The ceremony honoring A Home that Means the World will take place in the Meagher Theater at 10am on April 29, 2026 and is open to the public and children of all ages. See the complete list of past winners.