×

James V. Brown Library named 2021 Library of the Year

PHOTO/PA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The Pennsylvania Library Association announced the awarding of the 2021 Library of the Year to the James V. Brown Library in the following statement on Tuesday.

“Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, the 2021 Library of the Year was recognized.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to present the 2021 Library of the Year Award to the James V. Brown Library, located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

This award is presented to a library that excels in service to its community, prioritizes staff development, and provides leadership in and support of the Pennsylvania Library Association.

In June 2021, the James V. Brown Library withstood a substantial censorship challenge from the Lycoming County Commissioners (the Library’s main funding source) due to an LGBTQ+ Pride Month display in the children’s section. The James V. Brown Library provides a welcoming environment for every member of its community as reflected in its core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. The courage displayed by the staff of the James V. Brown Library in the face of this challenge serves as an inspiration to all Pennsylvania libraries.

At a public meeting, two of the three County Commissioners accused the Library’s Pride display of introducing children to inappropriate content. They requested that the display be dismantled. In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, the James V. Brown Library did not remove the display and directed concerned citizens to the Library’s challenged item procedures. As a result, they received multiple hostile and uncivil communications but more importantly, the Library received overwhelming support from their community, many who publicly spoke in their defense at the next Commissioner’s meeting.

The James V. Brown Library is an Institutional Member of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA), a PA Forward® Gold Star Library, and serves as the North Central District’s hub for PA Forward. Employees of the James V. Brown Library have served on multiple PaLA committees, and two staff members participated in the PALS leadership program.

“Each year these awards allow us to celebrate a number of individuals who have gone above and beyond to make significant contributions to libraries and their communities.” said Tom Reinsfelder, 2021 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association. “The accomplishments of these recipients are valued by their peers and recognized by the PaLA Awards selection committee. Congratulations to all of our 2021 winners!”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staffs and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all of our 2021 winners.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today