Awards

Doug Crane is an inclusionary leader who exemplifies compassion, vision, communication, and efficiency. Since his appointment as Director of the Palm Beach County Library System Doug has led the organization through major changes, including revising the mission and strategic plan, strengthening the work culture, and improving communication. In 2020, Doug led his system in the face of extraordinary challenges. Between a pandemic, a Presidential visit, and the threat of two hurricanes, his steady hand supported the needs of staff and the community. His contributions to the profession stretched across the state and country including work with FLA and ALA. His articles and workshops enhanced librarianship. For this work, Doug is worthy of recognition as the Librarian of the Year.

The Palm Beach County Library System, in partnership with Friends of the Palm Beach County Library and the Audubon Society of the Everglades created birding backpacks - kits with an adult pair of professional grade binoculars, two children's binoculars, wipes, and a guide to Florida birds in May 2019. Available in all 17 branches and the Bookmobile, these kits have circulated over 270 times (3 week circulation period). As a result of its success, the Library System has been sought out by other libraries around the United States to recreate this popular kit. Birding Backpacks are the culmination of a 40 year relationship with the Audubon Society of the Everglades, and an enhancement to a collection of ornithological periodicals spanning decades and over 1060 monographs.

The Palm Beach County Library System has been partnering with Royal Palm School for over eight years. Royal Palm School is an exceptional student education center, serving children with varying types and levels of special needs. Librarian Stacey Burford and Library Associate Dawn Frascella have attended school literacy functions and presented at P.L.U.S.S. (Parents Learning and Understanding Student’s Strengths) meetings. At workshops, Stacey and Dawn read stories, give tips for successful storytelling, and demonstrate a craft to tie the stories together. In addition, they explain how to receive a library card and present an overview of the services offered at the library. They have also provided story times for the school’s aftercare program, which is sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy.

The Palm Beach County Library System’s Community Research Service has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The Community Research Services was created in 2015 to support local government agencies’ (and later nonprofits’) effortsto improve the quality of life of Palm Beach County residents by offering free research to improve funding outcomes and assist decision-makers’ ability to make sound judgments.

“Library Journal” reviews editors have singled out reviewers for special commendation–Reviewers of the Year. LJ Reviewers of the Year go beyond the expected, displaying a depth of knowledge and perception of their fields. Their critical faculties are keen, and often they have written outside features, interviews, or Collection Development pieces for the magazine, though this is not a requirement. LJ editors know they can depend on their chosen reviewers to write clearly, explain fully, and critique carefully–and to send in those reviews on time!

The "Successful 75" program honored individuals, organizations and businesses that have remained steadfast in the advancement of independence for persons who are blind and visually impaired.

National Service Award for creative programming. The annual Julie Klauber Award recognizes outstanding and dedicated library staff that work with KLAS in their daily job functions and provide exceptional service to their library and the community in the spirit of Julie Klauber. Klauber was a national expert and leader on disability issues. She served as the director of Talking Books Plus library in Suffolk County, NY, and authored several articles on library resources and services for people with disabilities.

The Palm Beach County Library System has been partnering with Royal Palm School for over seven years. Royal Palm School is an exceptional student education center, serving children with varying types and levels of special needs. Librarian Stacey Burford and Library Associate Dawn Frascella have attended school literacy functions and presented at P.L.U.S.S. (Parents Learning and Understanding Student’s Strengths) meetings. At workshops, Stacey and Dawn read stories, give tips for successful storytelling, and demonstrate a craft to tie the stories together. In addition, they explain how to receive a library card and present an overview of the services offered at the library. They have also provided story times for the school’s aftercare program, which is sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy.

Presented to an organization that has successfully planned and executed a special event, achieving excellent fundraising success, and engaging high levels of participation and awareness.

The Florida Library Association named PBCLS to honor outstanding strategic marketing or public relations projects or campaigns that show results; to provide other libraries in Florida models of excellence. In addition to being honored at the annual FLA Conference, winners will have the opportunity to display their projects for attendees.

The Florida Library Association named librarians and staff members who design, plan, execute or evaluate a continuing program or special project of library instruction. Further, the purpose of this award is to recognize best practices of sound design and the implementation of products and services in order to enhance learning in libraries. Continuing programs or special projects may include classes written and taught by library staff, structured tutorial programs coordinated by libraries, online tutorials or programs, or paper-based fact finders.

The Florida Library Association named a group of PBCLS employees who have made a demonstrably positive and big difference in the lives of Florida's library users. Of special focus are events and services that provide outreach to immigrant and/or under-served populations.

The Florida Library Association named PBCLS for noteworthy service for an event which supports one or more aspects of workforce development, small business support, community development and employment.

West Boynton and Belle Glade branch libraries were selected as winners in the sirsidynix love your library contest. Library members submitted their stories about how their libraries have helped them personally

The Urban Libraries Council recognized PBCLS for the Embedded Librarians in County Government program.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, presented an award to PBCLS for outstanding service to readers who are visually or physically disabled.

The Florida Library Association named PBCLS as the best in the state based on the variety of programs offered.

The Florida Library Association recognized PBCLS for the best Public Library website in the state

PBCLS Consumer Health Information Services (CHIS) Librarian, Rachel Mick, received the Lighthouse Award for Navigate PBC and the Affordable Care Act rollout

PBCLS Business Librarian, Susan Berger, was recognized by the Florida Small Business Development Center for her efforts helping the business community