The University of Lynchburg’s Knight-Capron Library has received the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine.

The LEAD Award “honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support inclusive excellence and belonging across their campus. These include, but are not limited to, research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach.”

Insight Into Diversity magazine, which has been described as “the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education,” will recognize Knight-Capron and 33 other academic libraries in its March issue.

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access,” Lenore Pearlstein, the magazine’s owner and publisher, said in a press release.

“We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

Jenny Horton, Lynchburg’s librarian, said being honored by Insight Into Diversity shows that “the work we have done — our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion — isn’t just words. It’s the result of action, choices, and a commitment to inclusive excellence every day.

“Our goal is to have our community find the resources they need to be successful and see themselves in our accessible and diverse collections and programs.”

This is the second Insight Into Diversity award received by the University over the past several months. In October, Lynchburg was awarded the magazine’s Higher Educational Excellence in Diversity Award, which recognizes “colleges and universities that are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment.”