Contact: Michele Frisby, Dir., Public Information, mfrisby@icma.org; 202-962-3658WASHINGTON, D.C.—ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, welcomes Library Systems & Services (LS&S), an operator of public libraries, to the ICMA Strategic Partners Program at the Executive partner level.

For more than 30 years, Library Systems & Services has helped governments improve the quality of life for their residents. Through smarter operations, the company expands libraries’ capabilities, even when funding is tight, by engaging cities and counties in partnerships that simplify library administration, improve literacy, and strengthen economic and workforce development. 

“In this digital age, it’s easy to forget that public libraries remain a core community resource,” says ICMA Executive Director Marc A. Ott. “In many cities, towns, and counties across the United States, public libraries have become much more than a place to borrow books. Increasingly, libraries serve as hubs of information and community resources—a place for people to learn, create, access services, and engage with one another. As the third largest library system in the nation, Library Systems & Services embodies the concept of the modern library and we look forward to helping ICMA members and their residents understand its importance.”

“Cities and counties face a continual stream of operational and funding challenges, and our research and best practices that we deploy in libraries helps local governments handle their enormous responsibility, “ said LS&S President Paul Colangelo. “Through our presence at ICMA, we will encourage city and county leaders to take a creative approach to library operations that can meet objectives on literacy, and economic and workforce development.”

ICMA created its Strategic Partners Program in 1996 as an access point for private sector participation in association programs and activities. ICMA Strategic Partners help professional local government managers and their staffs by showcasing leading practice solutions and providing thought leadership.

About ICMA
ICMA, the International City/County Management Association advances professional local government management worldwide through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics. ICMA provides member support; publications; data and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to more than 11,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of individuals living in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas.

About Library System Services
Library Systems & Services (LS&S) operates more than 80 public and special libraries around the country through public-private partnerships. Under this model the company enhances the collections, programs and technology that enables libraries to continue fulfilling educational and vocational needs. Communities gain an abundance of advantages ranging from simplified administration to improved literacy and strengthened workforce and economic development. For more information, visit http://www.lsslibraries.com/home