Second Annual Navigator Awards Program Honors Nicholas Higgins, Director of Outreach Services at the Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn, NY (November 21, 2017) — Nicholas Higgins, Director of Outreach Services at the Brooklyn Public Library has been named a 2017 Navigator Award recipient for expanding the Library’s traditional reach to connect with a population often overlooked: inmates at correctional facilities and their families on the outside.
Route Fifty, Government Executive Media Group’s digital media and events brand covering state and local government, recognizes individuals and teams implementing impactful ideas in state, county, and municipal governments across the United States.
“The winners of this year’s Navigator Awards demonstrated remarkable solutions to the common issues facing communities across our nation,” said Route Fifty Executive Editor Michael Grass. “We’re proud to honor our government leaders who ensure our communities flourish and set the standard for others to follow.”
Nicholas Higgins, Director of Outreach Services at the Brooklyn Public Library, was named a 2017 Navigator Award recipient for expanding the Library’s traditional reach to connect with a population often overlooked: inmates at correctional facilities and their families on the outside.
Higgins and a team of colleagues developed TeleStory, a library-based video visitation program designed for families separated by incarceration, individuals in New York City Department of Correction facilities and those who need tailored services after they are released.
“Reading is a critical bonding experience for parents and children, and forms the foundation for all future learning,” said Linda E. Johnson, Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO. “TeleStory enables families separated by incarceration to read together. We are thrilled Route 50 is recognizing the importance of this program, and we are incredibly proud of Nick Higgins and the Outreach Services team for all of the vital programs and resources they deliver for the community.”
TeleStory is now available at more than a dozen Brooklyn Public Library locations. Additional information on Higgins and how he implemented TeleStory is available on RouteFifty.com and at the Brooklyn Public Library.
Route Fifty evaluated over 250 nominees from 38 states prior to selecting 59 finalists and the 10 winners.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: http://www.bklynlibrary.org/.