Bell Whittington Public Library named finalist for the nation's highest honor for libraries and museums. 

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Best Small Library in America 2013 Finalists-Bell Whittington Public Library

The two finalists this year both hail from the Lone Star State, chosen from among an impressive array of nominees and following a lively selection process by this year’s panel of judges. Both libraries selected as finalists demonstrate similar winning criteria in their innovation, technology usage, model programs, and responsive service. They are:

Bell/Whittington Public Library, Portland, TX
RoseAleta Laurell, Director

Serving a population of 15,099 in a satellite community near Corpus Christi, this library does an awful lot with the $29 per capita budget at its disposal. The judges noted innovative outreach that can easily be duplicated by other libraries, while judge Julie Hildebrand called it “amazing considering the size of their staff,” just three full-time, four part-time. The library’s recent record of programming with high attendance numbers and a strong focus on technology is well demonstrated by the “Seniors in Cyberspace” program held in partnership with senior centers and other community sites such as the local Dairy Queen restaurants. Attendance for the course reached 1,758, with evaluations showing 100 percent rate of achievement in signing up for new email addresses.

The award, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000. It recognizes one winning library and two finalists each year. The Library will receive a cash prize of $10,000, as well as support for two representatives to attend the 2014 Public Library Association (PLA) conference in Indianapolis, which will include a gala event in honor of the library.

ABOUT LIBRARY JOURNAL
Founded in 1876, Library Journal is one of the oldest and most respected publications covering the library field. Over 100,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries read LJ. Library Journal reviews over 8000 books, audiobooks, videos, databases, and web sites annually, and provides coverage of technology, management, policy, and other professional concerns. For more information, visit www.libraryjournal.com. Library Journal is a publication of Media Source Inc., which also owns School Library Journal, The Horn Book publications, and Junior Library Guild.

ABOUT THE BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger. and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.