Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a publisher of research and reference resources for libraries, schools and businesses, and Library Journal magazine have announced that Howard County Library System in Columbia, Maryland is the 2013 Library of the Year.
Each year this recognition goes to a public library that most profoundly demonstrates service to community, creativity, leadership and innovation in developing community programs, particularly programs that can be emulated by others. In addition to a cash award of $10,000, the Howard County Library System (HCLS) will be featured as the cover story for the June 15 issue of the Library Journal.
Established in 1940, HCLS is comprised of six branch libraries serving a population of more than 280,000 residents. Usage is up in the past decade. Items borrowed from HCLS branches doubled to 7.1 million (the highest borrowing per capita in Maryland), as did research assistance interactions with HCLS instructors (2 million), while physical visits tripled to 3 million along with virtual visits (6 million) and class and event attendance (more than a quarter of a million).
The 2013 Library of the Year Award will be presented formally at a gala reception at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago, IL on June 30, 2013.
