Library Director Wins Recognition from Alma Mater

Bard College has honored County Library Director Jose Aponte with the 2013 John Dewey Award for Distinguished Public Service. Bard College gives the award to Bard alumni for extraordinary contributions to the public sector. Aponte was nominated by the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees for his leadership on two County Library programs.

One involves the award-winning Foreclosure Prevention HOME clinics which have provided $2.9 million in free housing assistance to San Diego County residents since 2009. The other program gives career assistance to ex-offenders who want to rejoin the workforce.  

“I am honored to receive the John Dewey Award and thrilled to join the ranks of prior award-winners who continue to set the bar for public service,” said Aponte. “The County Library is devoted to developing life-changing programs and services that will help our communities build the best lives possible.”

The award is named after American philosopher and educator John Dewey who has been called the father of progressive education.