Prince William Public Libraries Receives Prestigious North American Innovation Award

Finding a Way to Slay Among Gen Z is recognized as one of the most innovative and transformative programs among public libraries in North America by the Urban Libraries Council.

(Prince William, VA | December 17, 2025)—Prince William Public Libraries has been named a Top Innovator for 2025 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries. This recognition is in honor of PWPL’s “Finding a Way to Slay Among Gen Z,” which shattered the “old-fashioned” stereotype many teens have about public libraries by inviting a teen volunteer to collaborate with staff to develop a creative, bold storytelling approach to connect with the hard-to-engage Gen Z audience.

“I’m incredibly proud of the collaboration between our librarians, Communications and Marketing team, and—most notably—our teen volunteer for crafting such an inventive script, as well as Gregg for absolutely slaying the delivery of Gen Z slang,” commented Jennifer Patterson, Director. “Being named a Top Innovator in the Advocacy & Awareness category affirms that Prince William Public Libraries continues to adapt and innovate to reach our target audiences—in this case, meeting teens where they are, elevating their voices, and showcasing that libraries are dynamic, modern, and deeply connected to our community. This recognition reinforces our mission to bring people, information, and ideas together in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”

ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its nearly 200 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.

PWPL was selected as a Top Innovator by a distinguished panel of judges. The project won in the category of Advocacy & Awareness for its originality, measurable outcomes, and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 180 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.

PWPL joins world-class programs from peers across North America. Six public libraries in total received the “Top Innovator” designation, and six others received honorable mention recognition for their work.

AWARD CATEGORY	TOP INNOVATORS	HONORABLE MENTIONS
Advocacy and Awareness	Prince William Public Libraries (VA)	Halifax Public Libraries (NS)
Education: Children and Adults	Dayton Metro Library (OH)	Hartford Public Library (CT)
Equity and Inclusion	Gwinnett County Public Library (GA)	Kitchener Public Library (ON)
Health and Wellness	Pasadena Public Library (CA)	Sacramento Public Library (CA)
Library Operations and Management	DC Public Library (DC)	Saint Paul Public Library (MN)
Workforce and Economic Development	Pioneer Library System (OK)	Hennepin County Library (MN)

“The Innovations Initiative highlights the best of what libraries across North America offer their communities,” said Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council. “In a year that has proved especially challenging for libraries, this year's winners, honorable mentions, and nominees all demonstrate our urban libraries are as important, resilient, and forward-thinking as ever.”

PWPL was previously recognized as a Top Innovator in 2021 for its “Resilient and Responsible Communities” program in the Health & Wellness award category.

Information about the winning project from PWPL, honorees, and a wealth of past submissions is available on the ULC website at urbanlibraries.org/innovations.

About Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries has 12 branches throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas, providing free access to books, e-books, e-audio, print and digital magazines, Digital Library, and DVDs. PWPL also offers free educational and entertaining programs for all ages.

About Urban Libraries Council

The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and impact tank of North America’s leading public library systems. ULC drives cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions. Across the U.S. and Canada, nearly 200 member libraries rely on ULC to identify significant challenges facing today’s communities and provide new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, digital equity, workforce and economic development, and race and social equity. Learn more at urbanlibraries.org.

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Media Contact:

Rachel Johnson, PWPL Communications and Marketing Director
[email protected]
571-298-7249