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FeedThe Hardesty Regional Library Named A Top 10 Children’s Library
Facility recognized for outstanding programs, design and collection of books
The Hardesty Regional Library in Tulsa, OK has been named one of the Top 10 Children’s Libraries by Livability.com, a national website that highlights more than 500 of America’s best places to live.
Livability.com editors looked at 500 communities across the country to find the best libraries for kids. The children's libraries selected not only look amazing, they also offer great programs and get kids excited about reading, learning and exploring. Editors consulted several nationally recognized authorities on the subject of libraries and children's literature, including the American Library Association, to determine criteria for the ranking. Among them: the library’s responsiveness to community’s needs.
"[A library] should be responsive to its community rather than beholden to some kind of national standard," said Roger Sutton, editor in chief of The Horn Book, which reviews and tracks children's and young adult literature. "The best libraries pay attention to their communities and the best librarians are those who really pay attention to the child in front of them, as well as the child who is not there but should be."
Top 10 Children’s Libraries
1. ImaginOn - Charlotte, NC
2. Vancouver Community Library - Vancouver, WA
3. Hardesty Regional Library - Tulsa, OK
4. Lied Scottsbluff Public Library - Scottsbluff, NE
5. Iowa City Public Library - Iowa City, IA
6. El Paso Public Library - El Paso, TX
7. Laramie County Library - Cheyenne, WY
8. Brentwood Public Library - Brentwood, TN
9. Birmingham Public Library - Birmingham, AL
10. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County - Cincinnati, OH
Livability.com editors looked at 500 communities across the country to find the best libraries for kids. The children's libraries selected not only look amazing, they also offer great programs and get kids excited about reading, learning and exploring. Editors consulted several nationally recognized authorities on the subject of libraries and children's literature, including the American Library Association, to determine criteria for the ranking. Among them: the library’s responsiveness to community’s needs.
What kind of library brings in secret agents and jam bands to get kids excited about learning? Try the Hardesty Regional Library. The library includes a 420-seat, nautical-themed theater area called Connor's Cove where performers encourage audience members to discover the joy of reading. "Connor's Cove is hands down the best performance venue for children in the state," says Monty Harper, a children's songwriter. "It's just the right size, large enough to seat a good crowd, but small enough to feel intimate. The design is perfect."
"[A library] should be responsive to its community rather than beholden to some kind of national standard," said Roger Sutton, editor in chief of The Horn Book, which reviews and tracks children's and young adult literature. "The best libraries pay attention to their communities and the best librarians are those who really pay attention to the child in front of them, as well as the child who is not there but should be."
Top 10 Children’s Libraries
1. ImaginOn - Charlotte, NC
2. Vancouver Community Library - Vancouver, WA
3. Hardesty Regional Library - Tulsa, OK
4. Lied Scottsbluff Public Library - Scottsbluff, NE
5. Iowa City Public Library - Iowa City, IA
6. El Paso Public Library - El Paso, TX
7. Laramie County Library - Cheyenne, WY
8. Brentwood Public Library - Brentwood, TN
9. Birmingham Public Library - Birmingham, AL
10. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County - Cincinnati, OH
