In 2005 the Educational Paperback Association established the Marilyn Abel Award to honor and recognize the long-term efforts and support of the Association's Executive Secretary in furthering the goals and growth of the EPA.

Marilyn Abel has served as Executive Secretary for over 25 years and has been involved with the organization since its inception in 1975. Her experience at NAL and other publishing houses has proved invaluable in her work at the EPA. In 1984, Abel received the Jeremiah Ludington Award, an award presented annual by the EPA to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the educational paperback business.

Each year, Abel chooses a school or public library to receive the Abel award, a $3000 check earmarked for purchasing paperback books for classroom or library use. For the first award, Abel chose her childhood library - the Hubbard Branch of the Detroit Public Library.

Maria Bryson, the Hubbard Library Children's Librarian, acknowledged Abel s gift: "The money you gave has been put to very good use. I have been able to reorder popular titles, award winners that are in paperback, build up our young adult area and develop the graphic novel collection. Best of all, our collection now has a large selection of fun paperbacks that really grab kids' attention...thanks again for such a generous and thoughtful gift to our library, your first "home" library, and thanks for making such an impact on our community."