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In recognition of outstanding community service, the Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) has named Victor Farmington Library its 2022 Public Library of the Year.
The recognition is the culmination of a celebration of libraries and library staff that begins with National Library Week in April, and is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country.
Local libraries and staff were nominated by community members and supporters. RRLC quoted one patron’s comment when awarding the honor to VFL:
“If you’re ever in a bad or sad mood, visit this library! It is warm and inviting, the staff is exceedingly friendly, and you immediately feel welcome and part of the family. It’s like going to your grandma’s house! Even better because you’ll immediately find something to engage in — local art on the walls, interesting displays, new books, fun things to check out (like Pickleball paddles and hiking poles), and maybe a class or activity to participate in. It’s definitely my happy place.”
VFL and its Director Tim Niver were one of three Library of the Year winners and six Library All Star winners from around the region. Honorees are listed below and were recognized at RRLC’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2022:
Public Library of the Year — Victor Farmington Library, Director Tim Niver
Academic Library of the Year — University of Rochester, River Campus Libraries, Dean of Libraries Kevin Garewal
School Library of the Year — Johanna Perrin Middle School Library, Library Media Specialist Beth Puckett
Library All Star — Janelle Deal, Elementary Library Media Specialist at Honeoye Central School
Library All Star — Stacy Lynaugh, Library Aide at Kendall Junior/Senior High School
Library All Star — Sarah Matthews, Children’s Librarian at Wadsworth Library
Library All Star — Randy Meyer, User Support Specialist at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES School Library System
Library All Star — Linda Seavy, Office Manager at Lavery Library, St. John Fisher College
Library All Star — Bruce Tehan, Branch Supervisor at Arnett Branch Library
The Rochester Regional Library Council is a not-for-profit agency that helps libraries in colleges, hospitals, schools as well as public libraries, work together to bring better library services to all the people in the five-county Rochester region – Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.