Its connection to the local community was a key reason the Richland Library earned a 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor our nation gives to such institutions. That was the message Georgia Coleman delivered as guest speaker at Capital Rotary’s July 26th club meeting. Coleman, chief customer officer, said the library is no longer just a repository of information, but also a place where patrons can learn, create and share their knowledge and skills with others. She outlined plans for branch library renovations and re-openings for 2017-2018, including a new Edgewood neighborhood facility in Columbia. Coleman said the library system is now recording over a million customer visits a year and expects continued program growth.