(November 13, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) The international non-profit Let’s Move in Libraries recently honored Patuxent Research Refuge alongside 10 other organizations and individuals across North America as recipients of the 2024 I Partner with My Public Library Awards.
Patuxent Research Refuge was nominated by Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) for its innovative partnership connecting urban youth to nature at the library. The partnership started in 2020 with outdoor nature programs and exploratory programming at the library and quickly grew into more. With Patuxent Research Refuge’s partnership, campfire storytimes, educational hikes and Science Saturdays are now part of AACPL’s regular schedule of events. Additionally, AACPL offers all access birding kits for checkout, thanks to the generous donations from the refuge.
A team of 30 expert reviewers convened during the month of September to examine 61 award nominations submitted by public libraries in 34 states, provinces and territories in the United States of America and Canada.
“These awards were started in 2023 after a three-year national (U.S.) study determined that the most impactful public library initiatives require strong community partnerships with a wide range of collaborators,” said Dr. Noah Lenstra, founder of Let’s Move In Libraries, a registered 501(C)3 non-profit organization. “We’re thrilled to shine a light on library partnerships through this endeavor.”
In addition to being celebrated at this awards ceremony, the partnership between Patuxent Research Refuge and AACPL is documented and shared on the Let’s Move in Libraries webpage at LetsMoveInLibraries.org/partner-award.
“Four years, one pandemic and sizable federal budget cuts later, the refuge is still a steadfast partner – saying ‘yes’ or ‘we can make that work’ more often than not,” wrote Lynette DelPrete and Darnice Jasper of AACPL’s Maryland City at Russett Library. “They have sustained a strong relationship and shown a true commitment to serving our shared community.”
The full list of 2024 awardees is:
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) nominated by Dearborn Public Library, Michigan
BalletNEXT nominated by Park City Library, Utah
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Association nominated by Edmonton Public Library, Alberta
Growing High Point nominated by High Point Public Library, North Carolina
Kylie Schell with Encompass Recreation nominated by the members of the North Country Library System in New York
Leo Nupolu Johnson nominated by Hamilton Public Library, Ontario
Partners for Health Foundation nominated by Montclair Free Public Library, New Jersey
Patuxent Research Refuge nominated by the Anne Arundel County Public Library, Maryland
The GrowHaus nominated by Denver Public Library, Colorado
University of Delaware’s Partnership for Healthy Communities, HEALTH for All Program (H4A) nominated by New Castle County Libraries, Delaware
Wood’s Homes nominated by Calgary Public Library, Alberta
“Complex community needs can only be addressed through community collaborations,” said Dr. Lenstra. “It is an honor to award and celebrate the work these amazing community collaborators and their public library partners have done across all of North America.”
Nominations in 2025 will open on June 1, 2025. To learn more about upcoming events at the library, visit aacpl.net/events.