The Director of the South Carolina State Library, David Goble, and State Library board member, Dr. B.G. Stephens, recently visited the Union County Carnegie Library to deliver a State Library Board of Trustee's proclamation congratulating the library on receiving Library Journal's highest recognition of excellence for a small public library in the United States. At the beginning of this year, the library received the Best Small Library in America award for 2009. Library Journal's annual award, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000.
According to David Goble, "This is a huge accomplishment in difficult times which required energy, creativity, and initiative." He also commented on the library's leadership by stating, "The library director, Nancy Rosenwald, has superb leadership skills and her influence reaches statewide because she understands we are stronger together than we are individually."
Dr. Stephens said that he "was really impressed with what they're doing." Unfortunately, the library has had to take large budget cuts and will be reducing operating hours beginning August 3. The library is currently running a campaign seeking volunteers and monetary donations. Stephens continued to say that "the library was full of patrons. I got the impression that the library's board is made up of exceptionally good members. I was really impressed with their enthusiasm for what the library is doing."
South Carolina State Library
Trustee's Proclamation
Whereas the staff of the Union Carnegie Public Library has improved services to the citizens of Union County through innovative programs;
Whereas the citizens of Union County support the Union Carnegie Public Library by dramatically increasing usage through checking out library materials and attending programs;
Whereas the Union Carnegie Public Library in South Carolina received from Library Journal the highest recognition of excellence for a small public library in the United States;
The Board of the South Carolina State Library sends its congratulations and appreciation for a job well done.
For more information about the Union County Carnegie Library, visit www.unionlibrary.org. For more information about Library Journal's Best Small Library in America award, visit http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6630781.html.
