WRL Press Releases

Williamsburg Regional Library Development Officer Honored by United Way

April 16, 2013

Benjamin Goldberg, Williamsburg Regional Library’s Development Officer, was recently honored by the United Way of Greater Williamsburg as one three Campaign Coordinators of the Year. Benjamin has coordinated the library's United Way Campaign for 15 years.

“Because staff are so community oriented, people are always very supportive of United Way,” Goldberg says. “We naturally want to give back to our community, and helping United Way is one great way to do that.”

Beside the satisfaction of donating to a worthy cause, library staff has been encouraged to participate in the campaign over the years by the opportunity to win home-baked goods from the Goldberg family. Last year Williamsburg Regional Library staff had a 15% increase in giving from the previous year.

WRL Named National Medal for Museum and Library Services Finalist

February 14, 2013

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) is honored to be a finalist for the 19th annual National Medal for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries by the IMLS in recognition of service to the community and for making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

“Museums and libraries serve as community gathering places and centers for lifelong learning, and we are very proud to announce Williamsburg Regional Library as a finalist for the 2013 National Medal,” said Susan Hildreth, Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services. “People of all ages seek out institutions like Williamsburg Regional Library for opportunities to advance their education, to learn new skills for the 21st century, for cultural connections and for civic engagement.”

“WRL has been recognized for our programs and services that contribute positively to the Greater Williamsburg area,” said WRL Director John A. Moorman. “Library staff are grateful for the community’s support and are honored to be recognized as a finalist for the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.”

Because the National Medal celebrates institutions that are committed to community service, IMLS will feature this year’s finalists on social media platforms and provide an opportunity for people to “Share Your Story” on the impact of WRL on their lives on the IMLS Facebook page: www.facebook.com/USIMLS

WRL is one of 33 museum and library finalists, from which 10 winners will be selected in April. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored at the National Medal award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Winning institutions also receive a visit from StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs.

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About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

About Williamsburg Regional Library
Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) consists of the James City County Library, Mobile Library Services and the Williamsburg Library and serves a population of 85,000 in southeastern Virginia. For the past five years WRL was named as one of the best public libraries in the nation, and, most recently, the only four-star library in Virginia in the “Library Journal” Index of Public Library Service.

WRL Repeats for Fifth Consecutive Year as a “Star Library” in National Rankings

November 29, 2012

A national ranking of public libraries has once again made Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) a star.

For the fifth consecutive time the national publication “Library Journal” has rated WRL as one of the best public libraries in the U.S. by giving it four-stars, the only four-star rated library in Virginia. WRL is one of 111 public libraries nationwide, out of more than 7,500 measured, that have received a star rating for all five editions of the publication.

The magazine’s rankings assign libraries star ratings similar to those used by Michelin and other travel guides. The ratings measure circulation of collection materials, number of visits, program attendance and Internet use. The statistical category in which WRL excels is program attendance per capita. “Our program attendance was the third highest of any star library in our category,” said library director John A. Moorman. “Our point total in all measured areas placed us in the upper range of the 4-star libraries,” he said.

“I thank all who have made this recognition possible,” said Moorman. “It is wonderful to be in a community that loves and supports its public library and to be surrounded by intelligent, hard working individuals who are dedicated to providing excellent service to all our users.”

Williamsburg Regional Library consists of the James City County Library, Mobile Library Services and the Williamsburg Library and serves more than 85,000 people in the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County.

WRL Receives Statewide Award for Senior Programming

John Moorman receiving the award from VPLDA president Carol Vincent

May 23, 2012

Williamsburg Regional Library was honored recently as having the outstanding program for seniors at the annual meeting of the Virginia Public Library Directors’ Association (VPLDA). The statewide award recognized the library’s “Short Takes” monthly programming series designed specifically for audiences in adult care centers.

Short Takes is a multisensory program, often combining lecture, demonstration, reading of poems or stories and playing music -- all related to a themed topic. The programs each last 15 to 20 minutes and are designed to enrich library users’ lives through learning, conversation and the sharing of memories. To enhance and extend the learning opportunities, library staff bring materials from the collection for audience members to check out. Examples of past topics include Ragtime, big band music, Irish lore, Bob Hope and the USO, timeless toys, colonial dancing, NASA and the Space Shuttles, the county fair and the Royal Wedding.

Williamsburg Regional Library consists of the James City County Library, Mobile Library Services and the Williamsburg Library and serves more than 85,000 people in the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County.

Williamsburg Regional Library Digital Offerings Expand

March 22, 2012

Grants from Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) have expanded access to the library’s digital offerings.

OneClick Digital, a new collection of downloadable audiobooks contains nearly 3,500 unlimited-use titles and an additional 437 titles that can be checked out to one user at a time. These audiobooks can be played on most Apple devices (iPods, iPhones and iPads) as well as on many mp3 players. Users can check out up to five titles at a time, and they can be renewed twice. As many as five titles can be placed on hold at once.

To access this new audiobook collection, visit wrl.org/audiobooks to create a free OneClick Digital account with a WRL library card. Useful videos on getting set up with OneClick Digital will be found there under the Help tab.

Friends of WRL grants have also expanded access to Freegal, an online music collection that includes several hundred thousand songs from the Sony Music catalog. Response to the service over the past year has been so positive that the library now offers an unlimited download package. This allows WRL cardholders to download up to three song titles per week and eliminates the need to create a waiting list. Access Freegal at www.wrl.org/freegal.

Additional assistance on both of these newly expanded services can be found at the libraries’ reference desks, or by calling 757.259.4050.

WRL Opens New Drop Box at County Complex

February 6, 2012

Williamsburg Regional Library users have a new place to return library materials.

A drop box has been installed outside Building F in the James City County Government Center, 100 Mounts Bay Rd. The box is convenient to Route 199, Kingsmill and other neighborhoods in the southeastern side of James City County, the City of Williamsburg and York County.

The Mounts Bay drop box joins existing drops at the James City County Library and the Williamsburg Library as well as those outside Martin's in Monticello Marketplace and inside the Farm Fresh on Merrimac Trail.

WRL Board Adopt Strategic Plan

November 26, 2011

The Board of Trustees of Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) approved a strategic plan for the period 2012-15 at a recent meeting. “This plan will map the way forward for our institution in the coming years,” said Jean VanTol, chair of the WRL Board, which governs operations of the James City County Library, Mobile Library Services and the Williamsburg Library. The library’s strategic plan can be found on the WRL website at wrl.org/strategic_plan

The process of revising the previous strategic plan, which was put in place in 2006, began in February 2011. A committee comprised of library staff as well as members of the boards of the WRL Friends, WRL Foundation and the library governing board guided the plan development. The strategic plan process included focus groups of adults and teens organized by a research team directed by professor Lisa Szykman from The Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary. A survey of library users and staff generated nearly 1,000 responses on a range of topics related to library operations.

The process resulted in a refinement of the library’s mission statement, core values and strategic direction. The library’s priorities under the new plan are creating a comprehensive communications plan, expanding offerings of digital content, rearranging spaces in both library buildings, providing opportunities for staff development and expanding service to teenagers.

Williamsburg Regional Library consists of the James City County Library, Mobile Library Services and the Williamsburg Library, and serves a population of 85,000 in the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County.

e-Books Now Available at Williamsburg Regional Library

October 31, 2011

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) now has eBooks available to download from the library’s website 24/7. These eBook titles can be read on computers and portable devices such as an iPad, Nook, Kindle, smartphone or other compatible devices. The purchase of eBooks is made possible by a grant from Friends of WRL.

This new eBook service is free for WRL cardholders. To get started using eBooks visit the WRL eBook site. There you will find the free software needed to download and install on supported devices, as well as detailed instructions on how to do that.

A valid WRL library card number is required to sign into the eBook site and download titles. Users can place up to three titles at a time in their cart, but only one title at a time can be checked out. One other title can be placed in a hold list. Titles check out for 7, 14 or 21 days, depending on the time period chosen. Since eBooks automatically expire at the end of the lending period, they never incur late fees and don’t require a trip to the library to return them.

For more information on this new service visit wrl.org/ebooks. Users seeking help on using the system can contact the Adult Services staff at 259-4050, via Ask A Librarian, or through the library’s Instant Message service.

Williamsburg Regional Library Gives More Than 1,100 Books to Area Students

Photo caption: Pictured at the Williamsburg Regional Library book fair held at Warhill High School are (left to right): Ed Van Dyke (WJCC Summer School Principal at Warhill High School); Dr. John A. Moorman (Director, Williamsburg Regional Library); Dr. Kimberly W. Nunnally (K-12 Coordinator for Reading/Language Arts, WJCC Public Schools); Ray Wolf (President, Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library); along with students from Berkeley Middle School showing off their new books.

August 12, 2011

Approximately 550 Williamsburg-James City County School students recently received 1,100 new books through a program funded by Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library.

Students in the summer school programs at J.B. Blayton and Matoaka Elementary Schools and middle school students attending summer school at Warhill High School each selected two books as part of the Williamsburg Regional Library-sponsored book fairs. The goal of the book giveaway was to get books into the hands of children who struggle with reading and who may not be able to visit library buildings over the summer.

The book fair format made it fun for the students. “Thanks for the two books,” one student said. “It made summer school worth it.”

Teachers also appreciated the opportunity the book fair gave their students. “My first graders were super excited — they brought their books back to the classroom and wanted to read them right away,” said one. “They couldn’t believe that they didn’t have to pay for the books or trade another book. A few kids talked about how their parents will sometimes take them to the public library. I hope that the book fair will encourage that habit.”

The project was coordinated by the library’s Outreach Services and Youth Services divisions and organized with the help of WJCC Public School teachers and administrators, library staff and volunteers.

New Outside Drive-Up Drop Box at James City County Library

June 17, 2011

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) users have a new way to return materials at the James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd. A drive-up box has been installed south of the building near the Norge Depot. The box has slots for depositing both books and audio-visual material.

Users can continue to use the walk-up drops at the front of the James City County Library as well as as boxes outside Martin's in Monticello Marketplace, inside the Farm Fresh on Merrimac Trail as well as at the Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St.

Williamsburg Regional Library Receives Two Statewide Awards for Programming

Photo caption: Constitutional Conversations program coordinator, Julie Silverbrook, accepts the Virginia Public Library Directors' Association award from Williamsburg Regional Library director John A. Moorman at the program's concluding session in May.

May 16, 2011

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) received two awards for its programs at the recent annual meeting of the Virginia Public Library Directors’ Association.

“Constitutional Conversations,” a monthly discussion series encouraging dialog about key aspects of our nation’s founding document, was honored in the category of Cooperative Programs with Other Libraries or Agencies serving a population of 50,000 - 99,999. “Constitutional Conversation,” was jointly sponsored by WRL, the Institute of Bill of Rights Law at the College of William and Mary Law School and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Law students at the College of William and Mary developed the program and also led and moderated each of the monthly sessions, which were tailored to different age groups. The free series will resume in September at the Williamsburg Library.

WRL was also recognized in its size category with the Outstanding Young Adult Program for “A Shivery Night That Lingers,” activities surrounding a visit by N.Y. Times best-selling author Maggie Stiefvater. The events attracted about 200 people from as far away as southwestern Virginia and Philadelphia, making it one of the most successful teen programs the Williamsburg Regional Library has ever hosted.

Williamsburg Regional Library Card Policy to Change

December 3, 2010

WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY CARD POLICY TO CHANGE IN EARLY 2011

Newly approved changes to Williamsburg Regional Library's lending policies will affect some who currently use library services at its two buildings and mobile vehicles. Beginning Feb. 1, 2011 the library will stop honoring all cards held by those who reside outside the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County. The changes are a result of a vote by the library's governing Board of Trustees at their regular monthly meeting held Dec. 1 at the Williamsburg Library.

"The Board of Trustees took this action with great reluctance and with a deep understanding of the implications of this change for the service provision of a five-star library," said Williamsburg Regional Library Board Chair Susan S. Geary. "However, in this current economic and political climate where the library has received budget reductions and looks at a future that is full of uncertainty, it became evident that to sustain financial support the library must restrict its circulation privileges to users who live in localities that directly fund Williamsburg Regional Library," she said.

The newly enacted policy reads: "Anyone who resides or owns a business or property in a city or county that funds the Williamsburg Regional Library may obtain a library card. Card privileges may be restricted. A list of privileges is available upon request."

As a result of the library board's action, only those with valid library cards will be able to check out material from Williamsburg Regional Library's collections as of Feb. 1.

"Non-residents may continue to use the Williamsburg Regional Library's materials in-house, ask library staff members for help, attend events in both library buildings and use public computers," says Library Director John A. Moorman. "Every Virginia resident has a local public library that is open and available for use. I encourage those affected by this policy change to contact your local public library and make use of its facilities, materials and services," he said. Moorman also said that those having questions about this new policy are welcome to contact him at (757) 259-7777 or jmoorman@wrl.org.

Williamsburg Regional Library Honors Staff Members

November 15, 2010

Williamsburg Regional Library recently honored 15 employees for their service anniversaries and educational attainments during the past year.

There were 11 employees honored for a combined 115 years of service to the community:
Five years service: Melissa Buckley, Jimzon T. Javier, Justin T. Javier and Melissa Simpson
Ten years: Amy Bunn, John A. Moorman and Sheila Tawney
15 years: Linda Ellis, Patrick Golden and Elaine Gardner Myers
20 years: Jacqueline McMichael

The library also honored five staff members for their educational attainments during the past year:
Nancy Cludinski received a Master in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Jennifer Cummings received a Master in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina.
Leigh Hamilton graduated from Lafayette High School.
Justin T. Javier received a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from The College of William and Mary.
Christine White received her Master in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina.

Williamsburg Regional Library Annual Report Now Available Online

November 15, 2010

Williamsburg Regional Library’s (WRL) annual report for fiscal year 2010 (July 2009 – June 2010) is available on the library’s website. The report summarizes library statistics like collections, circulation and program attendance, as well as highlighting awards and achievements based on the library’s strategic directions. As a cost-saving measure, the annual report is only being published electronically.