WILLIAMS DECLARES LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR

HARRISBURG, April 7, 2003 - - Senator Connie Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) today announced Marcia Pentz of Radnor Middle School as the winner of the 1st Annual Librarian Recognition Awards at a ceremony at Bryn Mawr College, M. Carey Thomas Library in Thomas Great Hall.

The contest was created to recognize any professional librarian currently working in a public or school library within the 17th Senatorial District.

Co-worker Carmen Nogales and Principal William Laffey nominated Mrs. Pentz for her outstanding service, commitment and dedication to her community.

Any member of the community could nominate a librarian for the librarian’s overall service including any special programs they may have created or improved, their knowledge of their facility and resources, and their commitment to helping the public.

The 17th Senatorial District includes the townships of East Norriton, Haverford, Lower Merion, Plymouth, Radnor and Upper Merion and the boroughs of Bridgeport, Conshohocken, Narberth, Norristown and West Conshohocken.

The following community members judged the competition: Jim McCaffrey, Main Line Life (Ardmore); Stella Gabuzda, retired Bala Cynwyd librarian (Bala Cynwyd); Doris Freeman, retired Upper Merion teacher (King of Prussia); Lisa Harrison, junior at Norristown High School (Norristown); and Ryan Lock, freshman at Radnor High School (Bryn Mawr). 

Acme, Inc., an Albertson’s Company, and Main Line Life are the corporate and media sponsors for the award.

“It is important to recognize these librarians who do so much to foster literacy and build awareness of our community assets,” Williams said.

“Having received so many outstanding nominations, choosing one ‘Librarian of the Year’ was a very difficult task. However, Mrs. Pentz’s dedication to her library, innovation in her programs and her commitment to the students whom she serves are truly extraordinary.”