The library system was honored with the Urban Libraries Council’s 2024 Innovation Award in Workforce and Economic Development
The Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries, has named Gwinnett County Public Library a Top Innovator for 2024. This recognition is in honor of the library’s New Start Entrepreneurial Incubator (NSEI), which offers business training and mentorship to formerly incarcerated community members.
Originally funded by Google through a grant from the American Library Association (ALA), the six-month program helps participants build the knowledge and skills necessary to start their own businesses.
“I’ve seen the life of each person who goes through this program change profoundly and significantly,” said Charles Pace, executive director of Gwinnett County Public Library. “We believe that people deserve a second chance. The New Start program gives them the tools, knowledge and support they need to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.”
ULC’sInnovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its more than 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of our urban communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.
Top innovators and honorable mentions
A distinguished panel of judges selected Gwinnett County Public Library as a Top Innovator. The project won in the Workforce and Economic Development category for its originality, measurable outcome and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 230 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.
Six public libraries received the Top Innovator designation, and six libraries received an honorable mention in recognition of their work. There is one top innovator and one honorable mention for each award category.
AWARD CATEGORY
TOP INNOVATORS
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Advocacy and Awareness
San Francisco Public Library (CA)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA)
Education: Children and Adults
Virginia Beach Public Library (VA)
New York Public Library (NY)
Equity and Inclusion
Miami-Dade Public Library System (FL)
Broward County Library (FL)
Health and Wellness
Denver Public Library (CO)
San Mateo County Libraries (CA)
Library Operations and Management
Toronto Public Library (ON)
Pioneer Library System (OK)
Workforce and Economic Development
Gwinnett County Public Library (GA)
Memphis Public Libraries (TN)
“This year’s Innovations Initiative honorees exemplify the evolving role of libraries as dynamic public institutions that are integral to the fabric of our urban communities,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “The innovative projects highlighted this year demonstrate the power of libraries to not only adapt but to actively shape the future of our cities, ensuring that all community members have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Information about the winning project from Gwinnett County Public Library and that of other honorees is available on the ULC website atwww.urbanlibraries.org/innovations.
About Gwinnett County Public Library
Gwinnett County Public Library is a free provider of education and information. Located in
metro Atlanta, the Library has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials and programming for people of all ages.
For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visitwww.gwinnettlibrary.org.
