I’ve come to the conclusion that there are probably a thousand different ways to do library great.

Sure there are handbooks on how to put together a traditional library program–how to create a budget, weed a collection, host an author event, collaborate with teachers.

But no textbook shows you what it looks like when the magic really happens–what innovation looks like when all the pieces come together–when you truly pay attention to the needs of your learning community and make the important connections. When technology and inquiry intersect with mission and vision. When participatory culture takes off across grades and disciplines.

Just when you think you are doing library well, new ideas and strategies poke your box and inspire you to do it better, to reimagine what library can be for all your stakeholders.

For three years now, the folks at Follett have offered us a lens to examine inspiration, innovation, creativity, collaboration and community, through the very generous Follett Challenge.

This year, the program expanded beyond the library as a separate platform to whole-school programs.  Entries were encouraged to tell their stories using social media campaigns that generated nearly half a million votes.

The 2013 winners, announced back in April from among 115 entries, were awarded more than $200,000 in Follett products and services.

Consider sharing the stories of the winning programs described below, as well as selected others from the Challenge video gallery, with your own community.

Also consider sharing your own innovations in the third 2013/2014 Follett Challenge, scheduled to launch on October 1st.

Click to see video