Best Small Library in America 2018 announced

In the US, Madison County Public Libraries (MCPL) has won Library Journal’s 2018 award for Best Small Library in America, reports USA Today’s Citizen Times.

The competition, sponsored by book distributor Baker & Taylor, includes a cash prize of US$5000 (A$6888) and a cover story in the September issue of Library Journal.

According to the Journal, the prize was awarded in recognition for how MCPL, which consists of a main library and two smaller libraries, ‘totally engaged its community with partnerships, outreach, relationships, and top-notch professional service’ despite the economic constraints faced by smaller libraries, resulting in an ‘excellent model’ for library branch systems.

‘MCPL exemplifies the ways that understanding community needs and designing facilities, programs and services to meet them results in high levels of community engagement,’ said Library Journal editorial director Rebecca Miller.

In a statement, MCPL library director Melanie Morgan thanked staff, library trustees and friends, county officials and residents of the county for supporting the library’s vision. Morgan said: ‘This award was won by all of us, and it is a testament to what small and rural libraries can accomplish with community.’

Category: Library news International