Pratt Library Among Nicest Places In America: Reader's Digest

BALTIMORE, MD — Reader's Digest has named the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore one of the "Nicest Places in America." The magazine received 450 entries from around the U.S. when it called for submissions of places where people exhibit kindness and treat one another with respect.

So far, the library in Baltimore has made it to the top 10 of the national contest.

The winner of the "Nicest Places in America" competition will earn a spot on the November cover of Reader's Digest and will be featured on Good Morning America.

People can vote in the crowd-sourced contest online until July 7.

Vote here.

The nomination for the Pratt Library, which has 22 branches around the city, gave insight into its vital role in Charm City. More than a place to check out books, the free library has offered programs giving community members information that helps them to improve their lives.

“We are so proud of the life-changing, innovative programs at the Pratt Library, like Social Worker in the Library, Lawyer in the Library and the Mobile Job Center,” Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel said in a statement. “This honor from Reader's Digest shows the amazing impact the Pratt Library staff has across the city of Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland.”

One man shared with Reader's Digest how the library helped him on an individual level.

“Years ago, when I was homeless, I spent most days at the Pratt tweaking my résumé and applying for jobs,” the man wrote. “I would take breaks from the job hunt and just read whatever looked interesting. It was such a wonderful place to spend the day. It helped me maintain my dignity and sanity until I got back on my feet.”

The Reader's Digest judges had this to say about the Enoch Pratt Free Library system:

"The Enoch Pratt Free Library is a haven in the city of Baltimore. With 22 locations across the city, the library provides vital services, information, and opportunities to all. Where else can a homeless person, a mother with a child, a business executive, or the mayor walk in and all be treated equally? The Pratt is a place where civil discourse happens. Librarians are trusted by the community and turned to for help. The Pratt helps people be their best selves."

Here is the full list of Reader's Digest finalists for the Nicest Place in America:

• North Evergreen Street in Burbank, California
• Ellijay, Georgia
• North Riverside, Illinois
• Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland
• Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Mower County, Minnesota
• Yassin's Falafel House in Knoxville, Tennessee
• Katy, Texas
• Life Moves Yoga in Killeen, Texas
• Bothell, Washington

Voting is open until 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 7. People can vote once daily. As of the afternoon of Thursday, June 21, Pratt was ranked No. 7 of 10 on the Reader's Digest leaderboard.

Photo courtesy of Enoch Pratt Free Library.