Awards & recognition

Curry Public Library is pleased to share the news that we were designated as a Star Library by the national library publication, Library Journal. We were one of 9 libraries in Oregon, and one of 258 nationwide to earn this recognition. Star Library ratings are based on data from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) annual Public Library Survey. We are particularly proud of this distinction because the data, which is from the 2020 pandemic period reflects just how hard we worked to stay open and continue providing services. In fact, our per capita in-person library visits was the 8th highest of the 258 libraries in the United States that were awarded stars at 24.10 visits per year. Thank you for making us an important part of the Gold Beach community.

Curry Public Library was designated as a star library in 2020 according to the LJ Index of Public Library Service. The distinction means that compared to similarly sized and funded libraries, our per capita statistics were some of the highest in the United States. A total of 262 libraries received stars. Curry Public Library was 1 of only 6 libraries in Oregon to be awarded a star. Interestingly, our neighboring library to the north, Port Orford, also received a star, meaning that Curry County accounted for 1/3 of the star libraries in Oregon.

See our Star Library press release.

In 2019, Curry Public Library Director, Jeremy Skinner, was named librarian of the year by the Oregon Library Association. This honor recognized Skinner’s work in leading the fundraising, plannning, and construction of the library’s new learning center addition. It also recognized his work in securing funding for the ASCEND library after school program, collaborative programming for workforce development, and for helping lead Curry County libraries toward new shared services, including joining the Coos Coastline library network.