Addison Public Library Awarded 2024 RUSA Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Services
June 3, 2024
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The Addison Public Library is thrilled to announce its selection as this year's recipient of the 2024 RUSA Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Services by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association. This award recognizes the library's outstanding contribution to the community through the Addison Community Resource Guide.
The Addison Community Resource Guide (addisonilguide.org) provides user-friendly and comprehensive information in English and Spanish about free and low-cost resources in the local community. The guide is a project initiated and supported by Addison Resources Connect (ARC).
Helping residents connect to local services is a central goal of ARC, a collective impact group bringing together Addison's school districts, the library, other government agencies, and local non-profits. During the height of the pandemic, ARC partners identified the Community Resource Guide as a priority in Addison. The library saw a unique opportunity to use their traditional reference skills to make an impact on the community.
Spearheaded by Elizabeth Lynch, Head of Teen Services, and Lesley Cyrier, Head of Adult Services, along with a dedicated team of staff members who played pivotal roles in its development, the guide represents a collaborative effort to address the unique challenges faced by Addison residents.
"Receiving this award highlights the incredible efforts of our team and the strong support from our community partners," said Lesley Cyrier. " The Addison Community Resource Guide is more than just a collection of resources; it is a reflection of our dedication to making essential information accessible to all our residents."
Since its launch in 2022, the Addison Community Resource Guide has become a vital tool for residents, with an average of 120 users and 167 sessions per month. These numbers underscore the guide's popularity and tangible impact on the lives of Addison's residents.
Addison, located just 20 miles west of Chicago, boasts a vibrant and diverse population, with 55% of residents speaking languages other than English at home. Recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, the library ensured that the resource guide caters to the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of its users.
"We are incredibly proud to see the positive impact the Addison Community Resource Guide has had on our community," said Elizabeth Lynch. "This award affirms our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every resident has access to the resources they need to grow and thrive."
Lynch also emphasized the importance of the library’s participation in Addison Resources Connect (ARC). The organization's mission is to connect Addison youth and families with community resources that support well-being and growth.
“The guide would not be possible without the dedication and collaboration of Addison Resource Connect partners,” she said.
The RUSA Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Services, established in 1990, recognizes libraries that have developed imaginative and unique resources to meet patrons' reference needs. The award includes a citation and a monetary prize of $1,500 sponsored by Data Axle Reference Solutions.
To view the Addison Community Resource Guide, visit addisonilguide.org.
The photo above shows Elizabeth Lynch (left), Head of Teen Services, along with Lesley Cyrier, Head of Adult Services.
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