St. Louis County Library Named 2022 Missouri Library of the Year

St. Louis County Library has been named the 2022 Missouri Library of the Year for distinguished and outstanding work for the community by the Missouri Library Association. The award was presented during the Missouri Library Association’s annual conference on September 29, 2022 in Springfield, Missouri.

Kristen Sorth, SLCL Director & CEO said, “We are honored to receive this award celebrating the work of our employees. St. Louis County Library is very proud of our work supporting the region during the pandemic. Together with our community partners, we have provided essential services such as meals, diapers, technology, tutoring, vaccines and rental assistance at our branches. The resiliency and creativity of our employees made this achievement possible.”

SLCL was recognized for work in the areas of digital equity, community partnerships, improved facilities, service to the justice involved, and COVID-19 relief efforts. 

Throughout the pandemic, St. Louis County Library (SLCL) has worked with a variety of community partners to provide critical resources to the region. Efforts included using branch parking lots to distribute over 2 million drive-thru meals with Operation Food Search, providing emergency diapers and period supply kits from the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, and issuing thousands of Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots to area students to assist with virtual learning, as well as providing GrandPad tablets to help older adults access technology and stay connected through the Digital Equity Initiative. SLCL teamed up with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health to offer free masks, COVID-19 testing, and weekly vaccine clinics at multiple branches. Additionally, SLCL partnered with several justice-involved organizations to provide a Tap In Center at the Florissant Valley Branch for individuals to receive legal assistance and connect with local support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This is the second major award SLCL has won this year. In July, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced that St. Louis County Library is one of six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.

Several distinguished leaders and community partners submitted letters of recommendation including St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page, Operation Food Search Executive Director Kristen Wild, St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Executive Director Muriel Smith, and Dr. Kevin Carl, Superintendent of the Hancock Place Public Schools .

To learn more about the programs and services offered at St. Louis County Library, please visit www.slcl.org or call 314-994-3300.

Media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer McBride, St. Louis County Library Communications Manager at 314-994-3300 ext 2250 or jmcbride@slcl.org.