LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2008: A CELEBRATION OF EVERY LIBRARIAN
HARRISBURG, FEB. 13 – State Sen. Connie Williams talked about the continued relevance of libraries in the age of the Internet, as she launched the 2008 Librarian of the Year Awards at Penn Wynne Library.
"With the widespread use of technology and the ability to search what seems like infinite sources on any subject, do we still need libraries," Williams asked. "I'd say the answer is very clear – of course we still do!"
Williams went on to point out that computers can't replace the assistance offered by a reference librarian; computers can't provide a community setting for a story hour that introduces many children to the wonderful world of books; nor can computers offer students an area where they can hold a study group with access to a reference librarian; and a computer can't organize programs that appeal to adults or seniors.
"Libraries use the Internet as a tool to improve the delivery of services," Williams said. "Librarians today not only know the Dewey Decimal system, but they also are high tech. They truly are chameleons – always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technology and resources into their libraries to ensure the best service for their patrons of every generation."
Williams noted that it has been an amazing journey for libraries, with the addition of innovative solutions that have continued to move libraries forward, while at the same time allowing them to retain the traditional role as keeper of a very valuable resource – access to knowledge through books.
"All of this is accomplished on a careful budget and with thought to the needs of the people who walk through the library doors," Williams said. "No matter whether the national economy was on an upswing, downswing or in a recession or depression, libraries have continued to keep their doors open and offer service to the public."
Since she took office, Williams who recognizes the value of libraries, has advocated for increased state support for libraries. Last year, the state budget increased library funding to $75.75 million. The state has proposed another increase for libraries in 2008-09 of $77.3 million.
In 2003, she launched the Librarian of the Year program to recognize and reward the people who continue to reinvent library service – the librarians.
"The libraries in the 17th Senatorial District must have some of the best librarians in the entire state," Williams said. "The nominations tell the stories of the new programs librarians are offering and of the service that goes above and beyond the call of duty that librarians are routinely providing. I'm sure this year's nominations will be just as wonderful, as well as being a real challenge to judge. Each year my panel of judges and I have a difficult time just selecting two librarians to honor."
Once again this year, Williams will choose a librarian from a public library and one from a school library as Librarians of the Year. This year, the awards ceremony will be expanded to honor all of the nominees from each year of the awards program.
People who reside in Williams' district are invited to nominate a librarian that they feel deserves special recognition. The 2008 nomination form should be used. It is available at local and school libraries, as well as at the Senator's offices (700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 100A, King of Prussia and in the Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 39, 1305 W. Chester Pike, Havertown). The form can be downloaded from Williams' Web site at www.senatorconniewilliams.com.
Librarians must work in public or school libraries in the 17th Senatorial District, which includes the communities of Bridgeport, Conshohocken, East Norriton Township, Haverford Township, Lower Merion Township, Narberth, Norristown, Plymouth Township, Radnor Township, Upper Merion Township and West Conshohocken.
The deadline for application submission is Friday, April 4th. Applications can be mailed or faxed to Williams' Havertown Office (attention: Megan Monahan) at Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 39, 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083, Fax 610-853-5436. Applications may be dropped off at either of the Senator's offices. For more information call 610-853-5433.
A panel of judges will select the 2008 honorees. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony scheduled during National Library Week on April 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Wyndham (Alumni House) Bryn Mawr College. This year, all nominees from 2003 through present will be recognized.
Media sponsors for the 2008 event are Main Line Life and Main Line Times. Barnes and Noble is this year's corporate sponsor.
The following is a list of award winners from the inception of the program in 2003:
2003: Marcia Pentz of Radnor Middle School
2004: Deborah Purdy of Haverford Township Free Library and Sharon Nardelli of Upper Merion High School Library.
2005: Deirdre Sansoni of Sacred Heart School and Peggy L. Newman of Ardmore Library.
2006: Asha Verma of Montgomery County/Norristown Public Library and Ilene Goldis of Radnor High School.
2007: Maggie Caverly of Roberts Elementary School (Upper Merion School District) and Cyd Nathan of Penn Wynne Library