This June has been a thrilling month for Cecil County Public Library. Summer Reading always brings an energizing start to summer, but we also recently won two prestigious awards: one for our blog and another for our My Library, My Lifeline logo! We’re pretty cheerful folk around here, but everyone is extra excited to see our library get such special attention.

We were delighted to receive a 2011 Library Blog Award from Salem Press, a major library publisher. Out of hundreds of nominations, we won first place in the Outstanding Local Blog category.  Thank you for your votes! We were very proud to share the nomination with other amazing library blogs such as Athens-Clarke County Library, Seattle Public Library, New York Institute of Technology, and Santa Fe Public Library.

This past weekend, our library was also honored with a Best of Show Award for our My Library, My Lifeline logo. The Best of Show Awards recognize the top public relations materials produced by American libraries in the past year. The logo is a visual representation of how libraries are a vital lifeline to so many crucial resources and services – books, computers, legal information, the arts, health information, and much more. This past year, the Friends of the Cecil County Public Library started selling beautiful tote bags that feature the logo.  You can get one at any CCPL Branch for only $2.

These awards are an amazing way to start the summer, but seeing Cecil County in the national spotlight also makes us really proud. We might be a smaller, mostly rural county, but we have so much to offer (great libraries are just one of many things).  As our director, Denise Davis, said “the awards are a tribute to our amazingly creative and tech-savvy staff, to our Library Board members who have a strong commitment to innovation, and also to our community which inspires our work.”

Thanks for supporting and inspiring us! So join us and bask a little in the limelight.

What makes you proud to live in Cecil County?

What better way is there to spend a fall afternoon than visiting with friends who enjoy reading and love their library?  In early October every year, the Friends of the Cecil County Public Library hold their annual Book Swap and Meet, as well as a fund-raiser – the Silent Auction and Bake Sale.  This fun event, open to the community, will be held on Saturday, October 9th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Elkton Central Library’s meeting room.  The book swap is a different format from the Friends’ book sales of previous years.  Here’s how it works:  bring up to 10 used books in good condition and of high value to readers, and swap them for the same number of books “new” to you.

During your visit, don’t forget to browse the unique silent auction items and place bids on your favorites.  Featured again this year will be popular auction items such as a Brazilian dinner for two, yoga classes, and baskets of locally prepared goodies, plus many more items of value.  New this year, you can bid on a professional photography package valued at $200, private drum lessons with Bobby Jones or enjoy lunch for 2 at Woody’s in North East with Delegate Dave Rudolph.  Pick up a complete list of auction items from any library branch.  And lastly, you can’t leave without visiting the bake sale table loaded with delicious homemade goodies, all reasonably priced.  Take a few minutes to sit and visit with friends, nibble on sweet treats and discuss the latest must-read book you just finished.

The proceeds from the silent auction and the bake sale will help the Friends support the Library’s very important Summer Reading Programs for children, teens and adults, as well as other library projects.  So please join us on October 9th!  Visit with friends, swap books, eat some yummy treats and have fun with some friendly competitive bidding on great auction items.  The library is such a vital part of our community and benefits members of all ages.  Consider supporting your library by joining and becoming an active member of the Friends of the Cecil County Public Library.  Your talents and ideas will be appreciated!  Talk to any Friends volunteer on the day of the event or click here to print out a Friends Membership Form.

Hope to see you there!  What treats, books and silent auction items are you looking forward to this year?