San Diego County Library Honored at 2012 Library of the Year Ceremony

San Diego County Library (SDCL) was honored at the 2012 Library of the Year ceremony held on June 24 at the House of Blues in Anaheim during the American Library Association’s annual conference. SDCL received an award statue, commemorative plaque, and a check for $10,000. The event included remarks by Chairman Rob Roberts of San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors, Library Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Francine Fialkoff, Senior Vice President for Marketing at Cengage Learning Nader Qaimari, and Library Director José Aponte. Attendees included various SDCL staff members, professional colleagues, and Friends of the Library members.

“This award is the result of our staff making a determined effort to become the best library in the nation,” said Aponte. “We are engaged in our communities and we never settle for anything less than excellent public service.” 

The Library of the Year awarded is given out annually by Gale (part of Cengage Learning) and Library Journal magazine. SDCL was selected as the 2012 recipient for its devotion to building community and providing access to a variety of essential programs and services. Like most California libraries, the SDCL has faced significant budget cuts – 30% over the last three years – but through unique programming and strategic budget allocation has managed to triple its materials circulation and quadruple program attendance over the last six years. At the same time, SDCL has implemented an ambitious capital improvement program, retained all staff and greatly increased volunteer numbers.

“Despite massive budget cuts in a time of overwhelming need for California residents, the San Diego County Library has demonstrated ingenuity, creativity and perseverance in serving the needs of all residents – and has done so with record-breaking success,” said Francine Fialkoff, editor-in-chief, Library Journal. “We’re thrilled to name them Library of the Year.”

For more information on SDCL, visit www.sdcl.org.

source: San Diego County Library

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