by Joanne Williams
Mill Valley’s esteemed public library on Throckmorton Ave. adjacent to the redwoods in Old Mill Park, is a finalist for the Best Small Library in America 2015 by Library Journal, one of the premier professional publications in the U.S.
Since the present library took the place of a Carnegie Library on Lovell Ave. in 1966, it has evolved into a literary community center. The library celebrated its 100th birthday in 2011 by holding more than 100 programs, which put the library in bold focus in the community.
“What we originally intended as a single year of special offerings became our standard,” said City Librarian Anji Brenner.
The adult program attendance tripled and the employees were encouraged to create programming based on their interests. Fireside reading programs, dramatic presentations, art lectures, LEGO robotics workshops, creative writing workshops, concerts and Friday night social events attract a wide audience. Mill Valley is competing with libraries in Montana, New York and elsewhere to receive a $10,000 cash award and conference costs for two library staff members to attend next year’s Public Library Association Conference for an award celebration
