The King County Library System (KCLS) has been named 2011 Library of the Year.

In the June 7 award announcement, the sponsoring organizations Gale and Library Journal honored KCLS as the “public library in the United States that most profoundly demonstrates service to community, creativity, leadership and innovation in developing specific community programs, particularly programs that can be emulated by others.”

Special notice was given to the library’s efforts to encourage reading, to help people who are looking for jobs, and for reaching out beyond the libraries and into communities so new patrons can discover the resources and services available through KCLS.

“King County Library System has a lot of fans at Library Journal, with good reason. We’ve watched KCLS lead the way for years in innovative service to their community,” said Francine Fialkoff, editor-in-chief, Library Journal.

KCLS Director Bill Ptacek said the organization was delighted to receive the recognition, adding “This honor rightly goes to our patrons who made KCLS libraries the busiest in the nation; our Friends and Advisers; the voters who make it possible through their continued support; and for our hard-working staff who continuously create innovative programs and services that best meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

The award comes with $10,000 that KCLS will contribute to the King County Library System Foundation to provide and enhance library programs and services across KCLS. KCLS will be featured as the cover story for the June 15, 2011, issue of Library Journal.

In recognition of this honor and your service, Governor Gregoire has declared June 7 King County Library System Day.

For details, visit www.kcls.org/libraryoftheyear.