Member News: Vigo County Public Library receives Outstanding Library Award

Vigo County Public Library receives Outstanding Library Award

The Vigo County Public Library has been selected to receive the 2018 Indiana Library
Federation (ILF) Outstanding Library Award. The ILF Outstanding Library Award honors and
recognizes either outstanding library service that consistently exceeds the expectations of the
users and serves as an exemplary model for other libraries, or notable expansion or
improvement of service based on cooperation with other libraries or community organizations.

Vigo County Public Library’s (VCPL) mission is to stimulate positive change in the community by
creating an environment rich in opportunity in which people can explore, expand their
perspectives and transform their own lives and the lives of future generations. The concept of
the VCPL’s mission statement includes serving as a community convener for organizations and
groups to generate discourse and ideas for improving and increasing sustainability in the
community. VCPL is a cornerstone for family, cultural, and civic life and creates an environment
for exploration, innovation and creativity.

The educational success of Vigo County children is a top priority for the VCPL. Without a state
funded preschool program, many Hoosier children enter school behind the curve. To meet this
need, VCPL sought to become a Family Place Library. Family Place Libraries work with
supportive community organizations to develop healthy families by providing educational
programs for parents and children and by maintaining that learning begins at birth. VCPL is the
first and only library in Indiana to hold the Family Place Library accreditation.

VCPL focuses on a variety of ongoing, innovative and diverse programs that are designed to
meet the community needs. VCPL offers a dedicated space with state-of-the-art technologies
and innovative tools to encourage creativity and design skills in Vigo County residents of all
ages. Part of the Vigo County Public Library’s mission is to recognize that all people should have
the opportunities to enrich and improve their lives through open access to exceptional
technologies that enable users to manipulate the physical and digital worlds in innovative ways.
Library generated programs and services help businesses succeed and people find jobs.
Reducing barriers allows individuals access to resources, resulting in a skilled workforce.

ILF Board Agenda, 8/11/16 2
According to State Senator Jon Ford, “Vigo County Public Library also serves as a haven where
creativity and growth are fostered. By supporting artistic endeavors, technological
advancement, and cultural development, they play an important and irreplaceable role in the
Vigo County community.”

Vigo County Public Library has served the residents of Terre Haute and Vigo County since 1882
when local school trustees purchased the existing public library from the Terre Haute Library
Association. VCPL serves the entire Vigo County area with a population of approximately
108,000 constituents. It is governed by a seven member appointed board of trustees, led by
Executive Director Kristi Howe and supported by 90 staff members, as well an active Friends of
the Library group.

The Library will be awarded the Outstanding Library Award at the Indiana Library Federation
Awards & Honors Banquet in conjunction with the ILF’s Annual Conference in November.