Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) has been recognized as a Top Innovator for 2025 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), a leading nonprofit organization for urban libraries in North America. The award acknowledges PWPL’s program “Finding a Way to Slay Among Gen Z,” which aimed to challenge outdated perceptions of public libraries among teenagers by involving a teen volunteer in creating and delivering content that resonates with Generation Z.
Jennifer Patterson, Director of Prince William Public Libraries, stated, “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. 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.”
The ULC Innovations Initiative is an annual event highlighting exemplary projects from its nearly 200 member libraries across the United States and Canada. The initiative demonstrates how libraries continue to evolve to address community needs such as civic engagement, intellectual freedom, digital connectivity, and economic mobility.
PWPL was chosen as a Top Innovator in the Advocacy & Awareness category due to the originality of its project, measurable results achieved with local teens, and its potential for replication by other library systems. This year’s competition saw more than 180 submissions across six categories from ULC members throughout North America.
Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council commented on this year’s winners: “The Innovations Initiative highlights the best of what libraries across North America offer their communities. 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.”
Six public library programs received Top Innovator awards while another six earned honorable mentions across categories including Education: Children and Adults; Equity and Inclusion; Health and Wellness; Library Operations and Management; Workforce and Economic Development; along with Advocacy & Awareness.
This is not PWPL’s first time being honored by ULC; it previously received Top Innovator recognition in 2021 for its “Resilient and Responsible Communities” program under Health & Wellness.
Additional information about PWPL’s winning project along with details on other honorees can be found at https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations.
PWPL operates 12 branches throughout Prince William County and Manassas City offering free access to books in various formats alongside educational programs for all ages.
ULC serves nearly 200 member library systems across North America through research initiatives designed to strengthen outcomes related to education access, digital equity issues facing communities today.
