PRESS RELEASE -September 7, 2024
BEST SMALL LIBRARY IN AMERICA HONORABLE MENTION – VALLEY OF THE TETONS
LIBRARY
Valley of the Tetons Library (VTL) in Teton County, Idaho was nationally recognized as one of the best small libraries in America by Library Journal magazine. This competitive honor is only awarded to three libraries in the United States each year.
Founded in 2005, Library Journal’s annual award honors the U.S. public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less, which the Institute of Museum and Library Services estimated in 2010/2011 to be 6,909 libraries or 77.1% of public libraries nation-wide.
“To be recognized as one of the Best Small Libraries in America attests to the creativity, ingenuity, and hard work provided by the Valley of the Tetons Library staff and supporters to meet the needs of our rural and diverse community. This is such a wonderful team and they deserve every bit of the recognition they are receiving,” said Emily Bahr, Director of External Affairs and Advancement for VTL.
“It is such an honor to be recognized as one of the Best Small Libraries in America. VTL has been through a series of changes to expand our impact over the past several years. We have the unique ability to reach people of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds, and act as a community hub. While collections, materials, and even facilities may change, what has and will not change is our dedication to serving our community. Please join us in celebrating this award!” said Savannah Wake, Director of Internal Operations for VTL.
Applicants for the Best Small Library in America award were rated on how they’ve raised the profile of the library in their community, reached out to new and remote users, impacted literacy in the community, and used technology to support and grow patron access to materials and information. VTL will receive $1000 from contest sponsor Ingram Library Services in connection with this honorable mention.
Library Journal selectors seemed particularly impressed by the Tetonia Branch as a way to reach out to remote library users. The 12 by 24 foot shed located at 6168 S 2nd St, Tetonia provides library services like book hold lockers, a collection of approximately 1300 items, a reading loft, and afterschool and adult programs. If you haven’t visited yet, Tetonia Branch is open Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-6 pm and the first Saturday of each month 11 am – 2 pm.
Come by Tetonia, Driggs or Victor branches and see one of the best small libraries in America for yourself or learn more at www.valleyofthetetonslibrary.org.
###
Read the original Library Journal article here. Scroll to the end for Valley of the Tetons
Library.
The State of Small and Rural Libraries in the United States, Institute of Museum and Library
Services brief, 2013
https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/brief201305.pdf
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Susan Strayer
Communications Manager
Valley of the Tetons Library
s.strayer@valleyofthetetonslibrary.org 208-354-5522 Driggs Branch
