Remodeled Branch, Book Discussions Lead To 2 Awards For Howard County Library System

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Library System has received two awards from the National Association of Counties, the leading organization representing county-level government operations.

As part of its 2022 Achievement Awards, the first project to be awarded is Reading Human Rights, a monthly book discussion series facilitated by the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and hosted in partnership with HCLS. This series encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns including race/racism, displacement, religious bias, LGBTQ+ inclusion, discrimination, equity and gender-based violence. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction designed to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice, as well as promote healthy interactive communication.

Also recognized was the recent renovation of the HCLS Glenwood Branch. The Howard County
Department of Public Works worked with a design team and HCLS staff to create a new space program and design guidelines. The renovated Glenwood Branch showcases new library trends such as spaces to engage the community and promote creativity. For example, the branch’s new makerspace features a recording booth, large format printer, two 3D printers, a laser cutter engraver and digital memory station where customers can convert CDs and DVDs to digital files.

Howard County received a record 43 achievement awards in 2022.

"Every program and initiative that received recognition reflects the solutions that Howard
County government staff have brought to the toughest challenges," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.

Tonya Aikens, president and CEO of HCLS, described the two awards as "a true recognition to the commitment of our staff to the needs of our community" and "an excellent outcome to the ongoing collaboration with county partners."