County Library earns record-breaking 14 NACo Achievement Awards

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Mascot with a colorful outfit and cap reads a book to a group of young children seated on the floor in a library.

San Bernardino County Library has earned a record-breaking 14 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo)—a remarkable increase from just three awards last year and the highest number the library has ever received. The honors contribute to San Bernardino County’s total of 430 NACo Achievement Awards this year, reflecting the county’s continued leadership in delivering innovative public services to residents.

The annual NACo Achievement Awards recognizes innovative county government programs that strengthen services for residents and demonstrate excellence in public service. This year’s recognition reflects the County Library’s continued investment in creating meaningful opportunities for residents of all ages through educational programming, technology initiatives, workforce development, early literacy and community partnerships.

“This record-breaking recognition is a testament to the dedication, creativity and passion of our library staff, who continually seek new ways to connect residents with valuable resources and opportunities,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “Growing from three national awards last year to 14 this year demonstrates our commitment to innovation and to providing services that improve the quality of life throughout San Bernardino County.”

The award-winning programs showcase the County Library’s ability to respond to community needs while expanding access to lifelong learning, digital resources, literacy initiatives, health and wellness programming and outreach services. By collaborating with local organizations and embracing creative solutions, the County Library continues to evolve as a trusted community resource serving residents across the county.

The County Library received Achievement Awards for the following programs:

Coloring Our County: Youth Art, Literacy and Community Connection
Filing for the Future: A Library–TAD Partnership Supporting Financial Stability
From Exhibits to Books: Innovative Outreach through Library-Museum Collaboration
From First Stitch to Finished Project: Threads for Makers of All Levels
Growing Together: Community Family Literacy Fair Supporting Kindergarten Success
Library Access for All: Empowering San Bernardino County Employees
Pathways to Possibility: San Bernardino County Library’s Career Online High School Transforming Adult Futures
Stepping Up to the Plate for Literacy: A Countywide Reading Rewards Initiative
Teen Trailblazers: A Technology-Driven Model for Youth Literacy Success
Tokens for Triumph: How Library Book Vending Machines Empower Young Readers
United in Expression: A Community Art Partnership for Mental Health Awareness
Where Stars Meet Stewardship: An Innovative Model for Rural STEAM and Community Engagement
Wild Encounters: Bringing Science to Life through San Bernardino County Library’s Pet Profiles Program
Words that Change Lives: SBCL’s Adult Literacy Program Empowering Learners through One-on-One Tutoring

NACo represents nearly 40,000 county elected officials and more than 3.6 million county employees nationwide. Each year, the organization recognizes county programs that deliver innovative, effective and cost-efficient services to residents. The Achievement Awards honor initiatives that can serve as models for counties across the nation.

“The San Bernardino County Library is proud to provide programs and services that inspire learning, foster community connections and create opportunities for residents,” said Assistant County Librarian Kristin Stevens. “These national awards reflect the impact of our dedicated employees and valued community partners who help make these initiatives possible. We’re honored that our work is being recognized alongside the county’s broader achievement of earning 430 national awards.”

The County Library’s record-breaking recognition reflects San Bernardino County’s commitment to providing innovative programs and exceptional public services to residents throughout the county.

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.

The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries serving a diverse population across a vast geographic area. The County Library is committed to providing equitable access to information, technology, programs and services for all San Bernardino County residents.

Additional County Update News – July 2, 2026