NEFLIN Libraries were well represented in the annual awards handed out by the Florida Library Association. Congratulations to the following groups and individuals!
Library of the Year Award
Alachua County Library System, Sol Hirsch, Director
The Alachua County Library District (ACLD) emphasizes excellent library services to improve quality of life for the entire community. ACLD seeks to provide essential community services, addressing local needs while serving as a model for other libraries. The Library Partnership and the Gator Mobile Health Clinic are two unique and collaborative partnerships that have drawn national attention for innovation and effectiveness.
Exemplary Learning Design Award
Jacksonville Public Library
To develop a climate where all employees share a common vision, Jacksonville Public Library established Destination: Leadership. A team of 18 internal trainers led all full-time employees in an 8-hour class over 15 months to develop leadership skills and to positively influence the library's organizational culture.
Friends, Foundations & Boards Outstanding Member Award
Frances A. "Fran" Kolonia, Ocala Public Library Friends
In 1980, Fran Kolonia provided expertise and support to establish the Friends of the Ocala Public Library. She served three terms as President of the Ocala Friends and held numerous other offices, including the first Book Sale Chairman. Her leadership in a 1990 library referendum led to a county-governed library system and she has been an active advocate for libraries locally and across Florida for three decades.
Library Innovation Award
Marion County Public Library System
CREATE (Colossal, Reading, Entertaining, Artsy, Teen Event) highlighted talents and positive achievements of Marion County youth, involved area businesses, and promoted the library as a place to develop teen talents through a writer's conference, a filmmaker's contest, a battle for the bands and a fine art show.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Elizabeth Curry
Dr. Elizabeth Curry is a librarian, trainer, facilitator with experience in human services as well as in all types of libraries. She has held leadership roles in local, state, regional and national professional organizations. While Executive Director of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network, this former FLA President implemented Free-Net, a community network and SunSeeker, a Leadership Institute, forerunner to Florida's Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute. As a consultant, she has worked with the State Library of Florida, multitype cooperatives and library systems across Florida.
Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award
Ocala Public Library
Bee-a-Reader, established in 2005, provides a weekly 15-minute read aloud program for school children and their families. Children receive a bookmark at each visit and occasional special incentives. This easily reproducible program is offered at the headquarters library and four of the system's branches. Nancy Young is Children's Division Manager.
Eileen Brunner Membership Development Award
Friends of the Columbia County Public Library
For many years the membership in the group had hovered around 200. Although memberships in groups are on the decline, the Friends decided that with a proactive approach they could increase their membership. During 2009, in conjunction with their 50th anniversary celebration, they set out to increase the number to 300. In February they launched a "Love Your Library" campaign, with displays, posters and hanging hearts for each person who renewed or joined during February. In September they launched "Bee a Winner and Join the Friend" in conjunction with the Library's Annual Adult Team Spelling Bee fundraiser. For each campaign they designed materials that were appropriate to the theme. By the end of the year they had met their goal with 301 members!
Outstanding Program Award - "50th Anniversary Celebration"
Friends of the Columbia County Public Library
Columbia Friends know how to give a party! They celebrated their 50th anniversary with "a year-long series of events that ended with a birthday bash" that brought over 500 people to their open house. The number and duration of the Friends involvement was almost inspirational. They produced a calendar listing the many events planned, historical library and staff photos and interesting tidbits about the library. Monthly author programs were held. The celebration also served to draw attention to the library and to bring people to the three library locations so they could see what the library offers and to increase membership in the Friends of the Library.
Web Site Award
Friends of the Ocala Public Library (Marion County)
In 2009 the Friends worked hard to develop a new, fresh image through a comprehensive marking program and to foster community awareness of the Friends. This included a new logo and the development of the web site. The web site is bright, colorful, easy to read and invites the reader to explore further. A simple menu makes navigation easy. Content provides current information on Friends and Library programs. Check it out: www.friendsoftheocalalibrary.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment