East Haven, Mansfield, New Canaan, New Fairfield Earn Public Library Awards

The CT State Library has announced the inaugural 2026 Excellence in Public Libraries Awards recipients.

The CT State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards are designed to honor and celebrate outstanding public libraries – those that demonstrate excellence in service and innovative programming and have a profound impact on their communities. The Awards aim to highlight the exceptional work of public libraries, encouraging growth and evolution in library services, and acknowledging libraries’ outstanding contributions while inspiring others to strive for excellence in serving their communities.

The 2026 Excellence in Public Libraries Awards recipients and categories are:

• Hagaman Memorial Library (East Haven) – Community Engagement

• Mansfield Public Library – Advancement in Literacy and Education

• New Canaan Library – Accessibility and Inclusion

• New Fairfield Free Public Library – Outstanding Children's Services

“Public libraries are the cornerstones of Connecticut’s communities, and we are thrilled to award our second annual Excellence in Public Libraries Awards. This year’s honorees exemplify the best of the innovative, community-centered work that public libraries do every day.” said Deborah Schander, Connecticut State Librarian.

In this second year, the CT State Library received submissions from across the state covering all awards categories. Nominations came from libraries, their communities, their partners and their supporters. A diverse panel of reviewers representing academic and public library professionals, educators, community leaders, and representatives from the State Library, evaluated nominations and selected awards recipients considering the criteria of collaboration, impact and innovation.

In the coming months, the CT State Library will host 2026 Excellence in Public Libraries Awards Ceremony. For more about eligibility, timeline, and the nomination process by visiting the CT State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards.

The Connecticut State Library is an independent Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. It is home to the State Archives, Office of the Public Records Administrator, Museum of Connecticut History, the Division of Library Development and the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books, and three reference departments (history and genealogy; law and legislation; and government information). Through these units, the agency provides a variety of archival, public records, museum, library, information, and administrative services.