San Bernardino County Library earns three prestigious NACo Achievement Awards

A robot stands in a garden, visible through a large hole in a gray brick wall, surrounded by jagged, shattered fragments, evoking surprise. — *The San Bernardino County Library Animaker Space, in partnership with Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, is located at the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center*

San Bernardino County Library has been honored with three 2025 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing its innovative programs that strengthen the county’s diverse communities, inspire learning and empower residents of all ages.

The NACo Achievement Awards highlight county programs across the nation that modernize government and increase services to residents. This year, San Bernardino County Library received recognition in the following categories:

Fire Response Support – San Bernardino County Library provided compassionate response during the devastating 2024 Line and Bridge Fires by providing the following resources to evacuees: Storytime, craft kits, reading materials, games as well as access to the library’s digital resources, creating moments of joy and normalcy during a difficult time.

Library Animaker Space – San Bernardino County Library, in partnership with Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, launched a cutting-edge, creative studio Animaker Space at the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center, that brings digital animation tools and production equipment into the hands of the public. Patrons of all ages can create their own animations, videos, and multimedia projects, blending STEM learning with hands-on creativity. The Animaker Space has become a hub for aspiring artists, students and entrepreneurs.

Teen Leadership Program – Designed to build confidence, communication skills, and community engagement among local youth, this program offers leadership training, volunteer opportunities and project-based learning. Teen participants gain real-world experience while shaping library programs and events that serve their peers.

“These awards underscore the library’s commitment to innovation and service,” said San Bernardino County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “Whether we are providing a safe haven during disasters, creating new opportunities for creative expression, or fostering the next generation of leaders, our focus is always on meeting the evolving needs of our community.”

For more information about the NACo Achievement Awards, please visit their website at www.naco.org/page/achievement-awards. For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

About National Association of Counties (NACo): The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. To learn more, visit www.naco.org.

About Garner Holt Education Through Imagination: Inspired by the work of Garner Holt Productions Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of theme park animatronics, Garner Holt Education Through Imagination is an Educational Technology resource providing essential 21st century tools, pathways and transformative opportunities for creativity, innovation, development and entrepreneurship designed for students of all ages, diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.

About the San Bernardino County Library: The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.

Additional County Update News – September 11, 2025