Catawba County Library receives NCPLDA awards
The library received four awards this year from the North Carolina Public Library Director Association (NCPLDA) in the Large Library categories. This category includes impressive systems like CharlotteMecklenburg Library, Durham County Library, Wake County Library, and Greensboro Public Library.
The first award was for Library Facility Renovation – Large Library: Southwest Branch. The Catawba County Library has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to early childhood education through the renovation of the Southwest Branch Library’s children’s area, transforming it into an exceptional space dedicated to fostering early language and literacy skills in preschool children.
The second award was for Library Facility Renovation – Large Library: St. Stephens Branch. The St. Stephens Branch Library stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful renovation and redesign. This facility’s recognition is well-deserved, as it underwent a comprehensive renovation aimed at creating a more inviting and modern space, purposefully designed to serve as a destination for diverse community members, especially young families.
The third award was for Outstanding Programming Award – Large Library: Tales in the Garden. The “Tales in the Garden” series exemplifies the highest standards of community engagement which extends beyond storytelling. The monthly bilingual storytimes and interactive experiences spark conversations about cultural enrichment and charity, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and encouraging individuals to consider their role in creating a more inclusive society.
The fourth and final award was for Outstanding Staff Development
Award – Large Library: Ryan Dowd and Mental Health First Aid. Recognizing the growing presence of patrons experiencing homelessness, mental health or drug addition, the library addressed staff concerns about safety and conduct and fostered a more inclusive environment by facilitating training that integrated empathy-driven enforcement techniques and gaining voluntary compliance through positive interactions.
These awards illustrate the library’s dedication to providing quality programs, resources, and customer service for all residents of Catawba County. Experience it for yourself at any of the library’s seven locations.
For more information about the
Catawba County Library’s services and programs, please visit www.catawbacountync. gov/library, call 828.465.8665, email mylibrary@catawbacountync.gov, or visit www. facebook.com/catcolibrary.
About: The Catawba County Library is our community’s place to connect, explore, and grow. We empower lives and build our community by bringing people, information, and ideas together.
The library, headquartered in Newton, serves the community with seven locations throughout the county and is a year-round, integral provider of early literacy and lifelong learning resources and programming. The library also provides a full complement of computer and digital services, classes, and support to bridge the digital divide, empower job seekers, and enhance community quality of life and economic health.