The Bridges Library System and Waukesha County recently received the National Association of Counties 2016 Achievement Award. The award recognizes the Bridges Library System’s 2015 restructuring project involving the libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson counties, including Irvin L. Young Memorial Library in Whitewater.
The project resulted in a new multi-county library system that expanded library services and information access across both counties.
“One of the key benefits of a new, restructured system was the increased stability of the library system. Additional revenue significantly improved our fiscal position as well as provided opportunities for innovation and improved services,” Bridges Library System Connie Meyer said. “The additional items from the Jefferson County libraries expanded our access to resources for our citizens by 28 percent. We also realized a savings for the Waukesha County libraries by achieving economies of scale that resulted in an average reduction in costs of 16 percent for the libraries.
“It’s not often that an initiative both reduces costs and improves services. We’re proud to be able to say this project did both and our library system is honored to receive this important award.”
Meyer accepted the award on behalf of the Bridges Library System and Waukesha County at the NACo Achievement Awards Luncheon on July 24 in Los Angeles.
About the Bridges Library System
Officially established on Jan. 1, the Bridges Library System is comprised of all 24 public libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson counties. The system provides individual member libraries, as well as residents in the two counties, benefits in the form of greater fiscal security, increased access to information and services, and progressive, collaborative relationships.
For more information visit www.bridgeslibrarysystem.org.
