Prince William Public Libraries Recognized with Award, in New Book Release at ALA Annual Conference

(Washington, DC – Monday, June 27, 2022) – In addition to celebrating coming together after two years of the virtual American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) has two more reasons to celebrate: they received a PR Xchange Award and attended the book launch of “Libraries that Build Business: Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Public Libraries,” in which Management and Government Information Center (MAGIC) has its own chapter.

The ALA PR Xchange Awards recognize the best public relations materials produced by libraries in the past year. PWPL received an award for its “PWPL’s Wi-Fi Has Left the Building!” YouTube video in the category of “Material Promoting Collections, Services, and Resources.” Entries are evaluated on content, originality, and design by a team of experts in public relations, graphic design, communications, and marketing. This competition is unique in the way it evaluates a library's individual promotional materials, not an entire marketing campaign. “PWPL’s Wi-Fi Has Left the Building!” was previously awarded a Hermes Creative Award Honorable Mention for Electronic Media/Social Media/YouTube Video in spring 2022.

PWPL was also in attendance Sunday evening at ALA’s book launch party for “Libraries that Build Business: Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Public Libraries.” This new book spotlights ways to advance entrepreneurship in public libraries. PWPL was one of 30+ libraries nationwide that contributed to this book, highlighting resources and services offered by MAGIC. 

MAGIC is a special collection and information service located at Chinn Park Library. MAGIC’s collection focuses on local and state government information and publications. Specialized staff and resources assist members of the community, including providing support to local government agencies and area businesses and nonprofits on how to start or grow a business, retrieve industry information, seek grant funding, and access laws and regulations. The book is available for the public to check out on PWPL’s Online Catalog.

“Our staff bring to realization our vision to be the hub connecting people to the transforming power of information,” remarked Deborah Wright, director. “Whether it’s through innovative marketing to introduce new services and products or traditional storytelling through books, we appreciate the recognition and coordination with ALA.”

The YouTube video and published book are just two of many ways PWPL is addressing its strategies goals outlined in PWPL’s 2019 – 2023 Strategic Plan. PWPL’s marketing and outreach initiatives provide ways to share with the public how it’s addressing the need for future-ready, easily accessible technology, community-responsive enrichment, lifelong learning, and more.

About Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries has 12 branches throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas, providing free access to books, e-books, e-audio, print and digital magazines, Digital Library, and CDs/DVDs. PWPL also offers free educational and entertaining programs for all ages.

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Media Contact:

Rachel Johnson, PWPL Communications and Marketing Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 571-298-7249