The Waterville Public Library is the winner of a national award from the national Institute of Museum and Library Sciences for its work in the community.
The award recognizes 10 libraries and museums around the country. Winners will also receive a cash award of $5,000.
Library Director Sarah Sugden says, in the last decade, the library underwent a major renovation. Since then it's become intensely involved in the local community "investing resources in community engagement, community outreach, and collaborative relationships and partnerships with other organizations in the community, to make life better in our community."
Now, she says the library works to provide community supports for job seekers, and works with local businesses to host job fairs and local recruiting events "to really make sure individuals in Waterville are able to access the resources they need to be employable, and employed, and productive."
Sugden says the library is also very involved in the city's arts and cultural communities. It's a founding member of Waterville Creates, and hosts the annual "Cirque du Geek" festival.
It also hosts game nights, crafting groups, movie nights, children's programs, college preparation, and music classes.
