The following is a press release issued by the County of Mendocino:
Library Journal recently announced Mendocino County Library’s Round Valley Branch is the winner of its 2024 Best Small Library in America Award. Library Journal is the leading provider of news, reviews and key professional development resources for librarians, library professionals, and staff since 1876. The award is sponsored by Ingram Library Services Ingram Library Services, a division of Ingram Content Group, which connects libraries to millions of titles, innovative systems, expertise, and assistance in developing and maintaining their print collection. This recognition honors the Round Valley library’s exceptional commitment to serving the unique needs of its community as a vital hub for sustainability, resiliency, and inclusivity.
Located in a remote part of northern California, the Round Valley library is a beacon of hope and community strength in an area challenged by isolation, economic hardship, and environmental vulnerability. The town’s population, which includes residents of the local Round Valley Indian Tribes reservation, has greatly benefited from the library’s efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment. “We’ve been really working hard to reach as many families as possible in this small community,” says Branch Librarian Josh Bennett. A former educator, he works closely with the local school system, in addition to a host of other day-to-day services. “We are honored that the Mendocino County Library Round Valley Branch has been named Best Small Library. The library in Covelo would not exist without the past and present support of the Round Valley community. Thank you for using the library, thank you for partnering with us, and thank you for holding your meetings and events here.”
The Round Valley library, located in the Library Commons is part of a community center that features a certified commercial kitchen, a redwood-paneled meeting and community room, a café and a radio station. Despite its small size, the library is the anchor of this vibrant space, offering a diverse range of programming for both adults and children, a comprehensive print and digital collection, and extensive outreach efforts. Friends of the Round Valley Public Library, a longstanding local nonprofit that supports the library, is featured prominently in the Library Journal article that announces the award. “The Friends sponsors numerous programs that run independently of the County Library and contribute immensely to the success of the library branch. They are part of this award.” says Bennett. The library’s success is driven by its small yet dedicated staff of five employees and a passionate roster of volunteers. Together, they have built strong partnerships with local organizations and tailored services to meet the needs of the community. From literacy programs to cultural events, the library ensures that residents, regardless of their background, have access to the resources they need.
“We’re proud to recognize the exceptional contributions that our nation’s small and rural libraries make to their communities through our annual Best Small Library in America Award,” says LJ Editor-in-Chief Hallie Rich. “Round Valley library demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and a strong community focus can deliver powerful results.” “The Round Valley Branch’s responsiveness to its community—its services, outreach, collections, and ongoing celebration of the land and those who live and work there—make it a consummate small library that steps up for people in a big way,” LJ Executive Editor Lisa Peet says. “We understand the role of filling gaps in communities only continues to increase for libraries, especially for our friends at small and rural libraries,” says Carolyn Morris, Vice President of Ingram Library Services. “We are proud to help celebrate Round Valley library as Library Journal’s 2024 Best Small Library in America.”
The Friends of the Round Valley Public Library and Mendocino County Library will host an open house and reception to celebrate the Best Small Library in America award on Saturday, September 14th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. At the Round Valley Branch Library and Commons Community Room, 23925 Howard St. Covelo, CA 95428.
For more information, please view www.mendolibrary.org or contact the Mendocino County Library at 234-2873.
