King County Library System Named 'Library of the Year'

The King County Library System (KCLS) has been named 2011 Library of the Year by Library Journal magazine and Gale, part of Cengage Learning.

In their announcement June 7, Gale and Library Journal honored KCLS as the “public library in the United States that most profoundly demonstrates service to community, creativity, leadership and innovation in developing specific community programs, particularly programs that can be emulated by others.”

KCLS has brach libraries in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Richmond Beach. 

Special notice was given to the library’s efforts to encourage reading, to help people who are looking for jobs, and for reaching out beyond the libraries and into communities so new patrons can discover the resources and services available through KCLS.

 “King County Library System has a lot of fans at Library Journal, with good reason. We’ve watched KCLS lead the way for years in innovative service to their community,” said Francine Fialkoff, editor-in-chief, Library Journal. “This year, all their efforts aligned—from new buildings to new services to record-breaking usage—and we’re thrilled to name them Library of the Year.”

“We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Gale and Library Journal on behalf of the entire community,” said KCLS Director Bill Ptacek. “This honor rightly goes to our patrons who made KCLS libraries the busiest in the nation; our Friends and Advisers; the voters who make it possible through their continued support; and for our hard-working staff who continuously create innovative programs and services that best meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

This honor brings a cash award of $10,000 that KCLS will contribute to the King County Library System Foundation to provide and enhance library programs and services across KCLS. In addition, KCLS will be featured as the cover story for the June 15, 2011, issue of Library Journal.

In recognition of this honor, Governor Gregoire has declared June 7 King County Library System Day.

For details, visit www.kcls.org/libraryoftheyear.