Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningInnovationNews

Williamsburg Regional Library Receives Three Prestigious Awards

A proud moment as the Williamsburg Regional Library celebrates its recent awards for outstanding community service and innovative programs.

News Summary

The Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) has made headlines by receiving three awards from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association for innovation and community service. Highlights include the Unique Outreach Award for their collaboration with the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra, the Impactful Technology Use Award for bridging the digital divide with new resources, and the Gold Standards of Excellence Award for overall service quality. As Williamsburg looks to the future, new library projects and programs are promising to enhance community engagement and accessibility to reading.

Exciting Times for Williamsburg as Local Library Shines Bright!

Williamsburg is buzzing with pride as its very own Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) recently grabbed three impressive awards from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association. That’s right—our library is becoming the talk of the town with accolades for innovation and community service.

Three Cheers for Creativity and Collaboration!

The first of the trio of awards is the Unique Outreach Award. This recognition showcases an inspiring collaboration between WRL and the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra. Their joint effort, dubbed the M3loDy Makers, is all about making music accessible for everyone. They focus on musical equity by providing professional instruction and creating violins for local students. Thanks to some nifty 3D printing technology, a quality violin can now be made for just $40! Talk about music to our ears!

Bridging the Digital Divide

The second accolade is the Impactful Technology Use Award. This award highlights the forward-thinking approach WRL has taken with its digital offerings. The library has rolled out a fantastic service called WRLtv along with e-reader collections that include fun gadgets like Roku devices and Fire tablets. These devices come preloaded with over 400 popular titles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. They even offer streaming options in Spanish! With these exciting additions, WRL is stepping up to help bridge the digital divide in our community.

Setting the Gold Standard

Gold Standards of Excellence Award, which reflects their stellar performance across the board, from governance and funding to collections and programming. It’s clear that WRL has its eyes set on maintaining top-notch service to the community, and the awards are a testament to that dedication.

A Vision for the Future

WRL serves not just Williamsburg, but also James City County, offering fantastic mobile library services that make reading more accessible than ever. However, recent discussions have arisen among the York County Board of Supervisors regarding library funding, which hasn’t been updated since 2013. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 suggests a 7.69% increase in operating costs from York County, which is higher than the projections from Williamsburg and James City County.

A Playground in the Works

natural playground at the James City County Library is in the works. This playground will feature earth mounds, caves, slides, and a cozy gazebo, providing outdoor play opportunities for children and families alike. With funding largely coming from local Kiwanis Clubs and the Friends of WRL, this project demonstrates a wonderful collaboration within the community.

Summer Reading Program Kicks Off Soon!

Summer Reading Program, titled “Summer Road Trip,” which will start registration on June 1. It’s open to all ages and encourages participants to log their reading. Not only does this program offer exciting prizes for those who log their reading, but it also allows families to maintain their reading habits over the summer. Tailored activities will be available for all age groups, and there are even prizes for adults who want to join in on the fun.

All of this is made possible thanks to the community-driven approach of the Friends of the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation. They are truly embracing the spirit of literacy and engagement in our lovely town. So, as summer approaches, gear up for some fun reading adventures at WRL!