At the Annual Virginia Public Library Director’s Association meeting in April, the following awards were given:
Category: Outstanding Staff Development Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Appomattox Regional Library System Title of Nomination: Staff Wiki Description: Zero-cost staff wiki that is available & editable to all staff members, connecting 8 branches, that staff edit an average of 5 times per day.Category: Outstanding Staff Development Population Size: Outstanding Library Friend 100,000+ Winner: Handley Regional Library Title of Nomination: Joan Johnson Description: Manages Library Shop that earns $4,500 annually; she designed a new Christmas ornament that sold out in Dec. 2010.
Category: Outstanding Library Trustee Population Size: 0-25,000 Winner: Madison County Library Title of Nomination: Nancy Demarest Description: From Friend to Prez of Friends, then Board member, Board President & a great fund raiser, A Dynamo!
Category: Outstanding Library Trustee Population Size: 100,000+ Winner: Virginia Beach Public Library Title of Nomination: R. Patrick “Pat” Deans, Description: With 1 Yr break has served on Board since 1991–Chairman & Vice Chair; Also very active in the Foundation Board (Prez) & Friends.
Category: Outstanding Facility Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Fauquier County Public Library Title of Nomination: Bealeton Depot Description: From empty ground & derelict train depot in 2001, through thru searches for fund, a grant & then renovation & meeting room completed in 2010.
Category: Outstanding Public Relations Project Population Size: 25,000-49,999 Winner: Culpeper County Library System Title of Nomination: Help Keep the Library Open Description: A Campaign to keep the library open that raised $51,000 in about 4 months through poker ride, an eat-out fundraiser & more.
Category: Outstanding Public Relations Project Population Size: 100,000+ Winner: Henrico County Public Library Title of Nomination: 400th Anniv. Notable Henricoans Database Description: Librarians coordinated; public nominated; committee decided, researched to recreat DB of 130 notable Henricoans for the 400th Anniv. of county
Category: Outstanding Service Innovation Population Size: 25,000-49,999 Winner: Pulaski County Library Title of Nomination: Bringing Our Past Forward, Southwest Times Digitization Description: Raised $25,000 in 4 mos. to digitize microfilm, 1916 to present, now available to all on website
Category: Outstanding Service Innovation Population Size: 100,000+ Winner: Henrico County Public Library Title of Nomination: Workshops for Childcare Providers Description: In 2010 presented 8 workshops to 202 attendees, used staff & ourside presenters, offered CE credits state dept of Soc. Services
Category: Outstanding Website Population Size: 25,000-49,999 Winner: Petersburg Public Library System Title of Nomination: www.ppls.org Description: Using staff input, replaced webpage using WordPress in 6 months.
Category: Outstanding Website Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Portsmouth Public Library Title of Nomination: www.PortsmouthPublicLibrary.org Description: New webpage also with WordPress, designed by staff with calendar with Plymouth Rocket that allows patrons set up reminders, etc.
Category: Outstanding Cooperative Program Population Size: 0-25,000 Winner: Charles P. Jones Memorial Library Title of Nomination: Ready Readers Library Card Description: Partnered with county & city schools to provide cards to every K-5 student. Designed a special library card for Ready Readers.
Category: Outstanding Cooperative Program Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Williamsburg Regional Library Title of Nomination: Constitutional Conversations Program Description: With William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to provide 8-month series of programs with discussions aimed at adult through elem school students.
Category: Outstanding Cooperative Program Population Size: 100,000+ Winner: Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Title of Nomination: Harry Potter’s World Description: Hosted National Library Med exhibit Harry Potter’s World; joint programs with local med. school and area museums. Had a passport program.
Category: Outstanding Program for Seniors Population Size: 0-25,000 Winner: Poquoson Public Library Title of Nomination: Old Age…it’s not for sissies Description: 5 program series about health & aging and display highlighting the collection.
Category: Outstanding Program for Seniors Award & Population Size: 100,000+ Winner: Norfolk Public Library Title of Nomination: Meet, Learn & Discover Series Description: 3rd year of a series of monthly programs aimed at seniors. Partnering with AARP Virginia; Received grant from IMLS.
Category: Outstanding Young Adult Program Population Size: 25,000-49,999 Winner: Russell County Library Title of Nomination: Haunted Hospital Description: Lebanon branch TAB plans, operates haunted house for community.4th year
Category: Outstanding Young Adult Program Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Williamsburg Regional Library Title of Nomination: A Shivery Night that Lingers Description: YA author Maggie Stiefvater inspired special programming & encouraged teens to read
Category: Outstanding Children’s Program Award & Population Size: 0-25,000 Winner: Poquoson Public Library Title of Nomination: There’s more than books @ your library Description: Childrens programs that featured Shark Attack! Fave Friends Sleepover (for stuffed animals)
Category: Outstanding Children’s Program Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Appomattox Regional Library System Title of Nomination: Little Stars, Big Horizons Description: Focused reaching new parents & children, ages birth to 5, new baby care packets to every child including local organizations, free book & quarterly birthday party invite.
Category: Outstanding Adult Program Award & Population Size: 50,000-99,999 Winner: Fauquier County Public Library Title of Nomination: Job Skills Workshop & “Well Suited” fashion show Description: With Social Services & local thrift stores, teamed up to present job skills workshops, fashion show & give out clothing vouchers to job seekers.
Category: Outstanding Adult Program Population Size: 100,000+ Winner: Arlington Public Library Title of Nomination: Arlington Reads Description: Community Reads program read 2 sustainability titles, held a variety of programs for all ages, community garden in back of main library, USDA People’s garden.
Award: Outstanding Library Director Winner: Petersburg Public Library System Title of Nomination: Wayne Crocker Description: To quote: “Wayne has developed programs & services that reach the community effectively, despite sub-standard buildings. His latest accomplishment is to lead the fund raising effor for a new library, with $7.5 million raised as of March 2011.”