News

Library honored for innovation

Library Director Trina Rushing receives award from Greta Gibson, of the Local Government Federal Credit Union, David Nicholson, of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners.

By Bill Moss, Published: October 2, 2018

Henderson County Public Library received the 2018 Local Government Federal Credit Union Excellence in Innovation Award at the Henderson County Board of Commissioner’s meeting on Monday.

The library's Student Access Program created 15,507 electronic library cards for county public school students. Students are now able to gain access to public library databases and check out materials by simply providing their student ID number to county library staff, instead of presenting a physical library card to them. The project was led by Library Director Trina Rushing, Digital Strategy Librarian Marcie Dowling and school system Chief Tychnology Officer Rick Fender.

Since the inception of the program in October 2017, the library has seen an increase in the usage of children’s titles, especially in the digital audiobook and e-book collections. Students are able to access, read and discuss the same books within the classroom setting vastly expanding the titles available to teachers.

No costs were involved in implementing the program. Because of the program, the library’s resources are being better utilized and the schools have expanded accessibility to many more resources.