At the state Library Association's yearly conference the James V. Brown Library's Youth Services department received recognition for the state's most creative program for early learning.
The David J. Roberts EXCEL Library Service Award recognized the library's Mother Goose on the Loose program, reported Melissa Rowse, assistant director, at Thursday's board meeting.
"It was truly phenomenal and we're proud of Nina (Edgerton, youth services coordinator) and Youth Services," Rowse said.
Edgerton said the fair-like event provided the community with 30 early-learning stations in which the public could participate.
But, as Edgerton explained, the library had no idea the award for the top program in the state was on its way to Williamsport when its staff went to the conference.
Rowse said the library was told it was receiving a Best Practice Award but didn't know about the additional honor until it was announced.
"I didn't know it was coming," Edgerton said. "I think that I was a little speechless. And it was as special as it was because it was truly the whole library coming together."
In other news, Rowse noted the success of the library's summer reading program and announced it will begin a winter reading program.
The program will start Jan. 2 and will run for six to eight weeks. The library also will partner with the city's newest sports franchise, the Williamsport Outlaws, Rowse announced.
A library night will be held at the ice-skating rink during one of the team's home games. Participants will be on the ice for the national anthem and the ceremonial drop of the puck, Rowse said.
To help kick off the partnership, the library will hold a meet-and-greet event with the team Nov. 19.
"They plan to bring the mascot. They plan to bring the uniforms so you can try on all the different gear," Rowse said.
