WESTERNPORT — The Westernport Library is being recognized nationally for its service to the community in the wake of devastating flooding last year.
The library earned an honorable mention in Library Journal’s Best Small Library in America awards, which honors public libraries serving populations under 25,000 that demonstrate exceptional service, creativity and community engagement.
Westernport Library’s selection came after a year unlike any in its history.
In May 2025, catastrophic flooding severely damaged the library building, rendering it unusable and destroying its collection. Library staff didn’t let services come to a halt, operating an outdoor checkout service from the library parking lot throughout the summer and fall before reopening just six months later in a temporary location down the street.
Today, the temporary library — affectionately known as the “boutique library” by staff — provides books, public computers, technology assistance, educational programming and community gathering space while serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for the community.
“Our staff never lost sight of what mattered most — serving our community,” Executive Director Lisa McKenney said. “I am grateful to our Director of Advancement and Engagement, Ashley Swinford, for her efforts to shine a national spotlight on Westernport Library and our ongoing need for support to rebuild by submitting our story to Library Journal. Ashley gives proper recognition to every employee, volunteer, donor, partner and community member who stood beside us after the flood. Together, we proved that a library is far more than a building.”
The nomination highlighted the library’s creative response to adversity, including maintaining library service without a building, expanding community partnerships, offering literacy and technology programs and continuing to meet residents’ educational, informational and social needs.
The submission also recognized the overwhelming support the library received from the community. Donations from the Lion’s Center Foundation and fundraising efforts by students at Flintstone Elementary School helped rebuild the library’s collection and demonstrated the deep connection residents across Allegany County have with their library.
“Westernport’s story is one of resilience,” said Swinford. “When faced with unimaginable challenges, our staff adapted, our partners stepped forward and our community rallied around its library. Being recognized on a national stage affirms what we’ve always known — that Westernport Library is an extraordinary place because of the extraordinary people it serves.”
The nomination emphasized that meaningful library service is measured not by the size of a building, but by the strength of its relationship with the community. Even while operating from a significantly smaller temporary location, the library has continued to offer engaging programs for all ages, technology assistance, workforce resources, early literacy initiatives and a welcoming space for residents.
The library continues to operate from its temporary location while plans for a permanent future move forward. Continued community support will help ensure the library can remain a vibrant center for literacy, learning, technology, and connection for generations to come, library officials said.
Following publication, copies of the August 2026 Library Journal will be available to read at all Allegany County Library System branches.
Community members wanting to support the Westernport Library’s continued recovery and future services may make a tax-deductible gift by visiting: givebutter.com/WesternportLibraryFloodRecovery
For more information about the Allegany County Library System, visit alleganycountylibrary.info or follow the Allegany County Library System on Facebook and Instagram.