(HELENA) --- On April 13, 2019, at the 107th annual Montana Library Association conference held in Helena, the Blaine County Library received the 2019 Excellent Library Service Award (ELSA) from the Montana State Library (MSL) Commission.

The ELSA recognizes libraries for achieving excellence in serving their communities by exceeding the essential Montana Public Library Standards. These standards define ‘excellence’ in thirteen categories, including collection development, information access, policies, planning and evaluation, fiscal management, board accomplishments, continuing education for staff and trustees, and outreach to the community.

“The Montana State Library Commission is pleased to recognize Montana’s excellent libraries with the Excellent Library Service Award,” said Commission Chair Aaron LaFromboise. “Providing excellent library services in Montana during these challenging times is no small thing. These libraries have shown their commitment to serving Montanans. The Commission congratulates ELSA-winning libraries’ trustees, library staff, and communities for their achievement and commitment to excellence.”

Forty-four libraries received the ELSA in 2019.

For more information on the Excellent Library Service Award, visit http://libraries.msl.mt.gov/library_development/standards/excellent_library_service_award or contact Tracy Cook at (406) 444-9816 or tcook2@mt.gov.

About the Montana State Library

The Montana State Library (MSL) helps all organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.