Brown County Library Named Library of the Year for 2023

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) recently announced that the Brown County Library was selected as the 2023 WLA Library of the Year.  This award recognizes distinguished achievement in service provided by any type of Wisconsin library, library system, or network. This notable distinction is based on activities or accomplishments in the areas of impact to the community, commitment to innovation, and commitment to library users. Nominations are reviewed by WLA’s Awards & Honors Committee.

The Brown County Library system, established in 1968, consists of the Central Library, eight branches, and a bookmobile.  It serves 80% of the households in Brown County.   

A true community asset, the Brown County Library is empowering people to be their best.  Executive Director Sarah Sugden said, “People are our purpose, and this is intentionally woven into Brown County Library’s identity and work.” 

The library seeks to put people at the center of all library operations, policies, procedures, resources, and services.  The library’s brand (It’s Yours) and visual identity, a new website and room reservation system, organizational goals focused on customer service and empathy, and the development of a Belonging Action Plan demonstrate the library’s response and commitment to the community. A Library Story initiative gathers user impact stories that are shared on social media, library reports, and interior displays.

The library will be presented with the 2023 Library of the Year award at the Awards & Honors Ceremony taking place on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, during the Wisconsin Library Association annual conference in Middleton.