Awards & Recognitions

Your Garfield County Libraries strive to provide the highest quality materials and services for our community. As a result of these efforts, we have been the recipients of a number of local, state, and national awards. Please join us in celebrating these accomplishments and looking toward a bright future for our libraries.

Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) Lucy Schweers Award for Excellence in Support Services

Lisa Detweiler was chosen as the recipient of the "Lucy Schweers Award" in 2021. This annual award recognizes a library staff member in Colorado who demonstrates outstanding leadership and serves patrons and communities in a way that goes beyond the basic requirements of their job. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa served as the interim Education and Events Manager and led the Garfield County Libraries in adapting all of our events to an online format as well as continuing our goal of outreach to the LatinX community.

Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) Library Partnership of the Year Award

Laurin Arnold accepted the prestigious “Library Partnership of the Year” award in 2020 for her team’s work on the Business & Breakfast event series. This award is given to one partnership in the state each year – regardless of library or community size. Branch Manager of the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, Arnold brought together important stakeholders including the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Colorado Mountain College, BlizzardPress, and RiverBlend Coffee to collaborate on training events for local businesses. Each partner brought something unique to the series – from business knowledge to marketing expertise, and from reputation of hosting quality events to delicious breakfast treats. The series has gained popularity over the past few years for both the subject of events and the quality of the presentations. During the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, the Business & Breakfast team sprang into action and created weekly virtual content for businesses struggling with various aspects of the shutdown. The online events cultivated a dialog when many could not leave their homes, nor get together in person to figure out their next course of action. These efforts gave an important lifeline to many who struggled with getting relevant and reliable information during that tumultuous time.

Trent Blizzard of BlizzardPress teaches during a full class for small business owners in the Glenwood Springs Branch Library upstairs classroom.

American Library Association (ALA) PR Xchange Awards

Garfield County Libraries and Brand Manager Emily Hisel were presented with two distinct "PR Xchange Awards" in 2016. The annual awards recognize the very best public relations materials produced by libraries in the past year. The Garfield County Libraries' “Welcome to the Library” brochure won for “Advocacy Materials -Print.” The bilingual, accordion-fold brochure was designed to give an overview of library resources to new library members. Additionally, the libraries won for their ten library card designs in the category “Patron Orientation Materials – Print.” While most library systems have one library card, the Garfield County Libraries offered choices designed around the library’s tagline, Find Your Story. Patrons can choose a card that appeals to them or best fits their interests – from zombies to superheroes, and from outdoor adventures to universe exploration.

Garfield County Humanitarian Service Legacy Award

Amelia Shelley was presented with the "Legacy Award" in 2014 for her work as Executive Director of the Garfield County Libraries as well as active membership in the community including participation in Literacy Outreach, Rifle Rotary, Garfield County Human Services Commission, and Cradle to Careers. Most notably, Shelley led the libraries during the construction and remodeling of all six library facilities - which were all completed on time, under budget, and in only five years' time.

Legacy Award Winner Amelia Shelley