NACo recognized “Fresh Ideas for Growing Community!” and Homegrown Gwinnett, a community gardening initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services that provided each library branch with an aeroponic Tower Garden system. The project sprouted numerous programs on healthy nutrition addressed local food insecurity, brought diverse cultures together through food, and has provided a unique STEAM experience for residents of all ages.
“GCPL is honored to be chosen for this prestigious recognition by NACO and the fact that important work the library is doing around food insecurity is being recognized,” said GCPL Executive Director Charles Pace. “We hope to further expand Homegrown Gwinnett in the coming year as we work to provide information about healthy eating habits to the people in our community, particularly the children. Homegrown Gwinnett is just one more example of how GCPL is on the cutting edge of library services across the nation.”
NACo President Roy Charles Brooks said, “Counties seize opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and build stronger communities every day. Achievement Award-winning programs are examples for counties that are determined to enhance services for our residents.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2018 Annual Conference and Exposition July 13-16 in Nashville/Davidson County, Tennessee.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.
About Gwinnett County Public Library
The award-winning Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) system was formed in 1996 after the dissolution of the Gwinnett-Forsyth Regional Library. For more than 20 years, GCPL has provided resources and services that enrich and inspire our community. The Library has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials, and programming for people of all ages. In 2016, more than 5 million items were checked out at GCPL, more than any other library system in Georgia. GCPL was recognized as a Top Workplace by The Atlanta-Journal Constitution in 2017 and 2018. For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visit gwinnettpl.org.
About The National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org.
