ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Library is celebrating a century in operation with countywide competitions for photography, videography and writing.
Spokeswoman Michelle Clements said the library wants to hear “A Century of Stories” from the people who made the 100-year anniversary possible. The contest is meant to help the community share their stories and allow the library to preserve their experiences for the next 100 years.
The library is acknowledging the change it has seen in the past century and looking to the future. Clements hopes that in the future libraries will be used to archive stories of all formats and from a plethora of backgrounds.
“The public has helped make it a community hub,” she said.
For now, the Washington County library is striving to stay on the cutting edge of technology by helping to make technological resources more readily available to the community.
The library has invested in a number of experiences, including 3D printing and virtual reality. Being able to offer more cost-prohibitive amenities in the future is one of the top priorities for the library, according to Clements.
She said as technology has evolved over time, the library system has adapted to meet the needs of residents in the community.
“The format has changed, but you can visit the library in your footie pajamas and download things digitally from the comfort of your home.”
Clements said technology has expanded the library’s ability to be more accessible as digital downloads increase availability. In the past, libraries were only able to house a limited number of books and copies, but digital storage not only expands the number of books available but also the number of copies that can be lent out simultaneously.
The library offers a number of opportunities outside of books, she said, including entertainment, meeting spaces and community rooms for organizations and community events. The Washington County library also meets community needs in early-childhood and computer literacy.
“Libraries will never become obsolete because they offer people a space in the community.”
The library often engages with the community through contests that allow writers to get feedback on their work with the possibility of award-winning recognition. Despite the number of writing contests, this is the first contest that the Washington County Library has held that includes photography and videography components.
The contest is open to Washington County residents and college students who retain their residential status in Washington County; residents of communities tied to the Washington County Library, like Colorado City and Beryl Junction, are also eligible.
Dixie State University and local high school teachers will judge the entries. Winners in each category will receive gift cards and a commemorative plaque. Submissions are due by July 31.
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