Ridgewood Public Library Nominated as 'Best Small Public Library in America'

The Ridgewood Public Library has been nominated as the Best Small Public Library in America.

The nomination came after life-long Ridgewood resident Franklin D. Appleton wrote a letter to the “Library Journal” and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation nominating the library for its “up-to-dates services, collections and superior staff.”

Nancy Greene, the library director, told the Village Council at last week’s meeting that the Ridgewood Public Library has more programming than any municipal library.

“We give the community ways to facilitate with each other,” Green said. “We encourage that.”

The “Library Journal” along with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have selected and honored the U.S. library that demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less for the last 10 years.

The winning library will receive a $20,000 cash reward, a feature story in Library Journal, conference cost for 2 library reps to attend a conference in 2016 and a gala reception at the conference. Two finalists will also be awarded with a $10,000 cash prize, a special mention in “Library Journal,” conference cost for 2 library reps to attend a conference in 2016 and attendance of the gala reception.

Teaneck and Rutherford Libraries have also sent in letters on behalf of the Ridgewood Public Library, supporting its nomination.

“I have the best job in the world,” Greene said.