Contributed Article/Courtesy City of Safford
WASHINGTON D.C. – Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden has recognized the 2024 Literacy Award recipients for their outstanding achievements in promoting literacy and a love for reading at the national library in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the 24 organizations, including the Safford City-Graham County Library, traveled to attend the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Annual Symposium and Recognition event on Oct. 30.
“The purpose of today is twofold,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “The first is to celebrate your outstanding achievements, and the second is to inspire one another by making meaningful connections and furthering our collective impact on promoting literacy.”
The event brought together this year’s winners and honorees, Literacy Awards Advisory Board members, and Library of Congress staff. In addition to an awards ceremony, participants exchanged ideas about how to implement different literacy initiatives.
Assistant Library Director Lesley Talley and Early Literacy Coordinator Elizabeth Henley traveled to the Library of Congress for the recognition ceremony and symposium.
“It was exhilarating to be surrounded by other organizations eager to learn from each other who all share a common goal, to promote literacy in their communities,” Henley said.
The Safford Library was recognized as an Emerging Strategies honoree for their Early Literacy Concert Series which serves approximately 2,000 children, teachers, and caregivers in Graham and Greenlee counties each spring. The Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program recognizes organizations in the United States and abroad that provide exemplary, innovative, sustainable, and replicable strategies to promote literacy and reading.
Talley and Henley presented the library’s program during an afternoon poster session. Attendees learned about the concert series and many other library programs. Throughout the day’s many events participants immersed themselves in the unique opportunity to connect with fellow literacy advocates from across the country and worldwide.
Other key highlights of the event included presentations from top winners and a showcase of the work of successful practices honorees who were selected for elevating youth voices, empowering communities, engaging instructors and mentors, expanding support networks, and pioneering innovative approaches to literacy.
Additional information on this year’s recipients and previous winners and an interactive program map are available at www.loc.gov/literacy.
About the City of Safford:
Nestled in the heart of Southeastern Arizona’s Gila Valley, the City of Safford is a vibrant rural community and the largest municipality in Graham County, with a population of just over 10,000. Incorporated in 1901 and becoming a city in 1955, Safford serves as the central hub for Southeastern Arizona. The City operates a wide range of services and facilities, supported by over 230 dedicated staff members, including full-time employees, seasonal workers, volunteer firefighters, and council members. In addition to providing essential utilities such as gas, water, electricity, wastewater, and sanitation, the City of Safford operates a golf course, airport, library, and landfill that serve the broader county. Safford is committed to providing exceptional services and fostering a thriving community for all residents and visitors.
