Celebrating Unsung Heroes and Heroines

One of the most important things that the North Carolina Library Association does is recognize the contributions of professional and paraprofessional librarians and library supporters throughout the state through its several awards, most of which are handed out at the Biennial Conference.

One of the awards that I look forward to most is the William H. Roberts Public Library Distinguished Service Award, funded by and named after my former boss and mentor William H. Roberts, who served for many years as the Director of the Forsyth County Public Library in Winston-Salem.

Bill believed in recognizing people who did a good job, and he was particularly committed to recognizing what he called "unsung heroes and heroines," the people who provide excellent library service day after day without a lot of fanfare and hoopla.

He established the award through the NCLA Public Library Section to bring attention to North Carolina public librarians or public library employees who meet any of the following criteria:

• Someone who has made an impact on services locally, regionally, or statewide
• Someone who has made a contribution via a special event or achievement
• Someone whose body of work or career deserves recognition

Past winners have included: 

• Marian Lytle, Rowan Public Library, Children's Services Supervisor
• Suzanne Tate, Randolph County Public Library, Assistant Director
• June Evans, High Point Public Library, Business Research Services
• Erwin Gunnells, Buncombe County Public Libraries, Director of Preschool Outreach Department
• Diann Ball, Fontana Regional Library, Office Manager

Nominations for the 2011 award are due by August 19, 2011.  For more information, go to http://www.nclaonline.org/public-library/awards-committee

We all know people who work hard to provide great service in our public libraries.  This is your chance to get one of them recognized.  Go nominate someone today.