All Awards

Interactive Teen Displays

Awarded by the National Association of Counties

Teen programming in public libraries typically emphasizes group participation in scheduled events and provides opportunities for teens to socialize with their peers. As a result, introverted teens and teens who lack transportation may not have the same opportunities as their more sociable or mobile peers to engage with the library. To accommodate these teens through an engaging, passive program, librarians at Libbie Mill Library in Henrico, Virginia began creating monthly, interactive displays aiming to inform, entertain, and encourage teens to contribute and explore responses. Since June 2016, more than 3,300 teens have interacted with the displays which have covered a range of topics including: New Year’s Resolutions, Summer Reading, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month, and Earth Day. Librarians have found that the displays foster and strengthen relationships between teens, their peers, and library staff. The displays successfully engage teens with library services on their own schedule and on their own terms with the ultimate goal of inspiring teens to become lifelong library users.

Library Building Award

Awarded by the American Institue of Architects in partnership with the American Library Association/Library Leadership and Management Association

The Henrico County Public Library’s Varina Area Library won the prestigious 2017 AIA/ALA Library Building Award. The library, designed by Richmond architecture firm BCWH and Tappé Architects of Boston, was one of eight American and European libraries to be recognized. The Library Building Award is presented by the American Institute of Architects in conjunction with the American Library Association, and is the only award that recognizes whole library buildings for their design. All library buildings completed after 2012 and designed by an architect licensed in the United States were eligible for the award.

Adrienne Minock

Awarded by the Virginia Library Association

This award recognizes public librarians or public library project teams who have made an outstanding contribution to advance the mission of a public library in Virginia through an innovative project, program or service during the nomination period. Projects, programs, or services should demonstrate creativity, quality, and innovation within the context of a public institution. HCPL Librarian Adrienne Minock was recognized for her work developing curricula and programming for the Digital Media Lab at Libbie Mill Library.

Gerald M. McKenna

Awarded by the Virginia Library Association

This award recognizes Individuals (librarians or professional associates), libraries, or other organizations distinguished for advocacy of libraries and/or information access. Gerald McKenna, Henrico County Public Library Director from 1995-2018, was recognized for his achievements in Henrico County and in library advocacy across the state during his distinguished career.

Library Author Showcase

Awarded by the National Association of Counties

AwardThe Henrico Community Author Showcase is a public library program which allows local authors to present and promote their books and discuss and connect with other writers and readers in the community at a Henrico County Public Library (HCPL). A unique feature of this program is that it operates as “self-serve.” The program allows local authors to sign-up and share their books during a 90-minute evening time slot at an area library. Authors can read, discuss their writing process, sell, sign, and promote their book. The program enables authors to donate a copy of their book to the library’s collection for checkout and to make an optional donation to the Friends of the Henrico County Public Library. The program is mutually beneficial to authors and libraries. The Henrico Community Author Showcase meets all three key points of the library’s mission via this program: promoting reading, connecting people with the information they need, and enriching community life.