Lake County Library System received the 2022 Business Supporter of the Year Award from the Adult and Community Educators of Florida, Inc., (“ACE”), on Wednesday, October 19. ACE of Florida represents, promotes, and advocates for adult and community education professionals and volunteers through its commitment to improving and expanding adult and community education programs and services throughout the state.

 

 

The Business Supporter of the Year Award is presented to an organization for providing exceptional support for adult and community education through one or more of the following ways:

 

1. Facilitating interagency cooperation and collaboration,

2. Providing financial commitment,

3. Demonstrating public relations efforts, and 

4. Establishing a distinguished record of meeting community needs.

 

The Lake County Library System, as this year's recognized Business Supporter of the Year, has supported all four key areas. In cooperation with Lake Technical College, GED preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs have been offered at Cagan Crossings Community Library and Cooper Memorial Library. Lake Libraries have consistently shown financial commitment by hosting these classes with no expectations of financial remuneration for the use of classroom space and technical presentation equipment. Lake Libraries have assisted in getting the word out to the communities they serve regarding the available learning opportunities. Because of this, they most certainly have a distinguished record of meeting the needs of their communities. Adult education can improve employability and act as a stepping stone to further economic and social gains for individuals, further improving our communities.