WILLIAMSBURG – Williamsburg Regional Library received four awards from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association (VPLDA) during the organization’s March 20 meeting: the Unique Outreach Award, the Impactful Technology Use Award, the Outstanding Program/Event/Class for Adults Award, and the Gold Standard of Excellence Award.
According to WRL, VPLDA received 79 award applications from its membership pool of over 90 public library systems across Virginia this year.
“WRL is honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to meeting library users where they are,” said Library Director Sandy Towers. “Whether through innovative technology, meaningful programs, or outreach that builds real connections, our focus is always on serving our community in ways that matter.”
The Unique Outreach Award recognized WRL’s Mondays at Frink program, designed to serve families and seniors through inclusive, relationship-centered programming that brings generations together around learning and reading. Mondays at Frink is an extension of WRL’s wildly popular outreach initiative, Saturdays at Frink. The WRL says the program has engaged more than 560 participants since its launch in 2025, focusing on literacy, connection, and access in the Grove community.
They also say that WRL was honored with the Impactful Technology Use Award for the 2025 redesign of its website into a modern, streamlined, and user-friendly experience. The ADA-compliant site includes customizable accessibility tools and improved mobile functionality, ensuring all users can easily connect with library resources. Since its launch, website visits have increased by 173%, according to WRL.
The Outstanding Program/Event/Class for Adults Award recognized WRL’s responsive, partnership-driven programming focused on inclusion—particularly efforts aimed at combating loneliness and isolation among older adults. This includes Senior Advisory Team input and the launch of AARP Senior Planet classes, which provide hands-on technology training and social connection opportunities to seniors.
WRL say they also maintained the Gold Standard of Excellence for exemplary performance across all public service categories: governance and administration, funding, staffing and staff development, access and services, collections, facilities, technology, programming, publicity, and advocacy. These categories align with the Library of Virginia’s Standards for Virginia Public Libraries, which provide benchmarks for direction and aspiration for state library systems to ensure that all Virginians will be well-served.
“Programs like Mondays at Frink and our work with older adults show how powerful the library can be in bringing people together,” Towers said. “We’re not just offering books or classes—we’re creating opportunities for people to connect, learn from one another, and feel part of a community.”
To learn more about WRL, visit wrl.org
