The Library begins evolving into a community hub offering creative and interactive events and exhibits while maintaining traditional services. Participatory learning becomes fundamental to creating a culture of encouraging people to work and discover together. The WestportREADS selection is Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. Free, downloadable ebooks are introduced from the service Freading. Director Maxine Bleiweis is recognized as Librarian of the Year by the Connecticut Library Association. Assistant Director for Innovation and User Experience Bill Derry was honored by the Connecticut Association of School Librarians for significant contributions to the library media field on the local, state and national levels. Sally Berry, Linda Collins and Lynn Goldberg are given the Special Friend Award for outstanding contributions to the Library. The BOOKED for the evening honoree is musician and writer Patti Smith. The Malloy Lecture in the Arts features actor John Lithgow.
The Library remains one of the most active in New England. In Connecticut, it is second after Hartford in reference transactions, 2nd in program attendance, 5th in the number of programs offered, 4th in circulation of materials and 4th in visits per capita.
