Maybe it's time to revisit your local library branch.
The San Francisco Public Library has been named Library of the Year by trade publication Library Journal. The award recognizes the library that best serves its community, through innovative programming, and has done the most to draw patrons.
The SF Main Library and its 27 neighborhood branches (and four bookmobiles) had more than 6.6 million visits last year. All of the libraries are open seven days a week and offer fun programs like Drag Queen Story Time in addition to thousands of books. And if that wasn't enough, don't forget that the SF Library also offers a free movie streaming site with more than 30,000 quality films to watch from the comfort of your couch.
The library was nominated for the awards by local author Dave Eggers.
“Contrary to some large institutions that can be burdened by their own size and history, and which have the alacrity of a cruise ship, the SFPL is nimble, creative and always inclined to find a way to make things happen” said Eggers.
“The people of San Francisco are very lucky to have this excellent library at their fingertips, and the library profession is lucky to have it as a model and inspiration,” added Rebecca T. Miller, editorial director of Library Journal. “San Francisco Public Library is truly a national leader in developing models of inclusion, demonstrating bold approaches to serving the diverse and underserved segments of it community, and redefining how urban libraries can and should be responsive to the national dialog on democracy.”
The library will be honored later this month at the American Library Association’s conference in New Orleans as well as receive a cash prize of $10,000.