CINCINNATI — The Urban Libraries Council announced the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library as one of 10 Top Innovators during the 2021 Innovations Celebration held virtually on Jan. 21. The annual Innovations awards recognize transformative programs that address racism, bridge digital divides, provide lifelong education opportunities, and more from ULC’s member library systems across the U.S. and Canada.
CHPL was selected by a panel of expert judges from over 250 submissions in 10 categories that showcase creative thinking and imaginative applications of library resources. CHPL won in the category of Communicating the Library’s Value.
“Creativity and inventive approaches continue to thrive at ULC member libraries, and this year’s winners are no exception,” said Urban Libraries Council President and CEO Susan Benton. “This year’s submissions highlight our libraries’ remarkable capacity for leadership, commitment and determination during a time of continued change and stress. We celebrate the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library for developing a leading-edge program that will transform their library and community, serving as a model for all public libraries in North America.”
“Working at the Library” staff videos, opens a new window and “Spend a Day with a Library Worker”, opens a new window blog posts were recognized as innovations that increase the awareness and perceived value of the Library’s programs, resources, and public service role. All 2021 ULC Innovations entries can be viewed at urbanlibraries.org, opens a new window.
“The staff featured in these blog posts and videos are just a small part of the talented and dedicated team helping our community learn without limits,” said Karen Clemons, President of the Library Board of Trustees.
“This content is developing a broader, more diverse pool of job applicants and helps humanize our staff to the community,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director. “We are so proud that the Marketing and Human Resources departments’ efforts to inspire new audiences has been honored by the ULC.”
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has been cultivating curiosity from the moment we first opened our doors in 1853. Since then, we have evolved into one of the biggest and busiest libraries in the country: supporting minds of all kinds who seek to unlock their full potential. With 41 neighborhood branches, a vast range of programming, and an ever-growing collection of virtual resources, we're proud to be a place where everyone can learn without limits. To learn more, visit CincinnatiLibrary.org or call 513-369-6900.
The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and impact tank of North America’s leading public library systems. ULC drives cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions for the 21st century. More than 160 urban member libraries in the U.S. and Canada rely on ULC to identify significant challenges facing today’s communities and provide new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, digital equity, workforce and economic development, and race and social equity.
