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The Richland County Public Library is recognized as a leader among libraries in the Southeast and across the United States. Innovative programs and services, outstanding staff, a strong Friends of RCPL organization and a community that eagerly supports its public library helped RCPL become the 2001 National Library of the Year.
National Rankings
 The Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR), listing the nation’s top 100 libraries, have been published in American Libraries since 1999. The HAPLR scores are based on 15 factors, with the focus on circulation, staffing, materials and reference service. RCPL has made the list, which consider more than 9,000 libraries nationwide, each year.
For 2005, RCPL ranked eighth among urban libraries serving populations of 250,000-499,999. Only two libraries in the Southeast ranked in the top 100—RCPL and the library in Sarasota, Fla. (RCPL scored 742; Sarasota County Library scored 727 and was ranked tenth.)
HAPLR ratings for previous years
- 2004: RCPL ranked ninth; two libraries in the Southeast made the top 10—RCPL and a Virginia library.
- 2002: RCPL ranked sixth; only four libraries in the Southeast ranked in the top 100—RCPL and three Virginia libraries.
- 2001: Ratings not done.
- 2000: RCPL ranked fourth; only three libraries in the Southeast ranked in the top 100—RCPL, a Virginia library and a Florida library.
- 1999: RCPL ranked eighth; two libraries in the Southeast made the top 10—RCPL and a Virginia library.
Statewide Honors
RCPL is the only county organization to be recognized with two prestigious state awards: The Verner Award for the Arts from the South Carolina Arts Commission and the Governor’s Awards in the Humanities from the South Carolina Humanities Council.
In May 2005, RCPL received the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Award for the Arts, the highest honor the state of South Carolina gives in this area. The library was selected for its unique Literary Residency program that draws on the talents of area actors and scholars to bring a multicultural focus to library programs. Last year more than 28,000 people from across South Carolina attended free programs, plays and literary readings at the library. RCPL is the only public library to receive the prestigious state award since it was first given in 1972.
In 1998, the South Carolina Humanities Council recognized RCPL with its Governor’s Awards in the Humanities in the category of Community Leadership and Support. The award recognized the library’s ongoing efforts to provide humanities-related programming over the years.
Other Awards
RCPL has frequently been recognized for innovative programs and services.
- Answers Now, the library’s online global reference service, was recognized with the first “Best International Partnership” award from Tutor.com at the American Library Association’s national conference in 2005. Answers Now was also a finalist for the Palmetto Pillar Community Service Award presented by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Information Technology Council in both 2005 and 2006.
- RCPL’s Annual Report was recognized with a Silver Wing Award from the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. As a monthly calendar, the library’s annual report markets programs and services throughout the year while communicating the necessary financial and statistical data. The library received the award in the nonprofit category.
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