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Suffolk Public Library has been recognized for enriching resources to Suffolk residents of all ages. On March 22, the library received two awards from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association for its continued work in serving the Suffolk community. 

The Virginia Silver Standard of Excellence Award was given for SPL’s efforts in “striving to achieve excellence in the areas of governance and administration, funding, staffing and staff development, access and services, collections, facilities, technology, programming, publicity, and advocacy.” Likewise, the library was given the Outstanding Program in Cooperation with Other Libraries or Agencies Award for its 2023 Parking Lot Pride event, which celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community while providing local resources, activities for children, live music performances, and more. 

On the recognition, Director of Suffolk Public Library Clint Rudy commented by giving the honors to the SPL staff for these new achievements.

“Both of these awards are a true testament to the efforts of all library staff to think creatively, listen to the community, and collaborate with others to build impactful results,” Rudy said.

Likewise, Rudy saw recognition as he was named President-Elect of the Virginia Public Library Directors Association. Rudy will assume the role of President at the Association’s annual meeting in March 2025 and will serve as Past President in March 2026. On the honor, Rudy says that he is “very excited and honored” about the election from his fellow VPLDA directors. 

“I look to build on the strategic work of the past president and the current president to make our association even more inclusive and effective by adjusting and refocusing our efforts to provide libraries of all sizes and types the opportunity to have their voices heard and be active participants,” he said.

For more information on Suffolk Public Library, go to suffolkpubliclibrary.com or facebook.com/SuffolkPublicLibrary.