Nomination Entries for the 2011 RRLC Public Library of the Year Contest

Though we did not win the RRLC Public Library of the Year Contest like last year we received great nomination entries (see below). Thank you to all of our patrons who nominated CPL in 2011.

"Simply put...the Chili Library is the best!! There are many reasons that it is truly a gem in Chili. First and foremost...they know you by name. They ask about things going on in your life and remember things you've talked about in the past. They are all very caring! Next, they are so helpful. Anytime I can't find something, have a computer problem or need extra computer time for my daughter to finish a paper....they are there to be supportive. Lastly, the place is just comfy. There is nothing better than sipping good Leaf& Bean coffee in front of the fireplace while reading the newspaper!! They are also wonderful employers. The Chili Library is important to us because our daughter works there. She was hired at 15 and will be graduating in June. She is going to college locally and is thrilled to keep her job at the library. The staff is wonderful. They all look out for her, are very accommodating to a teen’s ever changing schedule and are genuinely interested in things in her life. They are like a family there and as a parent...I feel great knowing that she is going to work in a safe and caring environment!! I could go on and on about this library but I would surely go over the 300 word allotment. In closing...I would compare The Chili Library to Cheers....it's the place where everybody knows your name!!"

"CPL has the most involved, caring children's room staff imaginable. They are always ready to answer a question, make a recommendation, find a special story and maintain such a warm, nurturing environment that my kids beg to go there. My first grader reads at a 4th grade level and I attribute much if his reading success and love of books to Mrs. Amesbury, Mrs. Lindsey and the rest of the caring, friendly staff. They love kids almost as much as they love books."

"Mommy is helping me with this again this year because I am only 5. I started pre-school this year and thanks to Mrs. A, Mrs. Lindsay and Miss Jill and everybody else in the children's room I am off to a very good start! All of the storytime sessions that I attended since the infant storytime so long ago helped me with a love of learning and books and also gave me a chance to work on classroom setting skills. My librarian friends all know me by name and always have a hug, a smile and a book suggestion for me. Chili library is the best place in the whole world."

"The employees at the Chili Library are great at helping kids find books that meet their needs. My family has been going there for years and the staff takes the time to get to know you. We are greeted by name. My son came in with me and one of the staff said Dan my son just finished this book and I think you would like it...That’s just one example of the care we receive at chili public library."

"I have been a patron of the Chili Public Library every since I moved into Chili 30 years ago. At first I went to its "first" home, but in the last 10 years I have been at the beautiful location at 3333 Chili Ave. As the town as grown so has the library. Why is it so great? Many reasons, but first comes to mind is the Staff!! The Librarians do a fabulous job planning events throughout the year for Adults, Children and Young Adults! The quality of the events is outstanding. The library staff as a whole is professional, helpful, cheerful, and knowledgeable and just a joy to do business with! Quite often the staff is on a first-name-basis with its 'regulars'. The selection of items in the collection is outstanding. Regular displays of items of interest to the public are regularly updated. The services they provide are those that all of Chili looks for -- Books, videos, books on tape or CD, music CD's (a fabulous collection), those pesky tax forms, bus schedules, a reasonably priced used book sale, concerts in the park during the summer, movies on the big screen during the winter, employment assistance in these troubling times, reading programs for babies and toddlers, a comfortable place to read the daily paper and have a cup of coffee, Book Clubs, contests, the list goes on and on. Chili Public Library is the BEST!!!"

"Incredible children's librarians who love what they do. Amazing story time programs for all age ranges, warm and welcoming. As a new comer to the area we are thrilled to have discovered this gem right around the corner."

"My very above average children were raised in that library. As a single mom I did not have the means to go to plays/concerts/etc. But we read for at least an hour every single night and without the library collection available for free, none of that would have been possible. All the librarians knew us by name, suggested reading material and my kids participated in all the programs. So despite the fact the schools offer little for gifted children, my children were involved and stimulated and challenged."

"Libraries are a slice of heaven. One can escape to any destination; learn about anything and these days access a generous amount of media forms. Chili is without exception my, and many others, 'go-to' source; where everyone is welcome and assistance (if needed) is readily provided with cheerfulness
that defines a love of knowledge. If is like a multifaceted diamond, everywhere you look there is something to tweak one's interest about learning, set in an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation, like home."

"Great Library with a lot of help to others, fund raisers, selection and if isn't there they will get it there."

"Chili Library is a great library for many reasons. Most importantly because they treat me and my sons like family! They always greet us when we walk in and most of them even know my boys by name. My youngest son is a bit of a handful and they are never frustrated by him! Everyone loves to come to our library because it is like a second home!"

"Our library is a bright and helpful place to relax. The book selection is great. The staff is always kind and helpful. I enjoy the many adult programs that are offered."

"I love the programs and the staff is AWESOME!"

"All staff is pleasant. They are helpful and offer ideas whenever I have questions. I love the variety of adult programs! The atmosphere itself is wonderful - I still get a great feeling - the excitement of possibilities - just like when I was a kid! :)"