by Christina Stoll, MLS

The 2009 MLS Annual Meeting & Awards took place Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Tinley Park Public Library (http://www.tplibrary.org).  This year’s meeting filled the room with over 100 attendees.

The program began with a warm welcome by MLS Executive Director Alice Calabrese.  She reminded everyone of the importance to support the Save Illinois Libraries Campaign (http://www.saveillinoislibraries.com) that encourages everyone to contact their legislators.
  
Next MLS Board President Milfred Moore presented a summary of the past year’s accomplishments including a mention of the FY2010-FY2012 MLS Strategic Plan with Mission, Vision, and Guiding Values which can be downloaded at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/aboutus/MLS_FY2010_FY2012_Strategic_Plan_Full_for_Members.pdf.

MLS Board Treasure Tom Read wrapped up the business portion of the meeting with an overview of MLS’s financial statement for the 2008-2009 year (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/aboutus/TreasurerSpeech2009.pdf).

Finally, the part of the meeting that everyone looks forward to,  the Member Awards were given to their recipients.

The purpose of the MLS awards is to recognize our member libraries, trustees, staff, and government officials for their contribution to libraries and/or the field of librarianship. This year 43 nominations were received for the nine award categories as well as 2 special recognitions.

A complete description of each Award category can be found at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/members/awards. 

AND THE WINNERS ARE…..

The Janet Hayes Excellence in Customer Service Award went to Scott Remmenga, MLS Director of Finance/Deputy Director of LIMRiCC.

Scott was nominated by several MLS members.  Some of the comments received were: Scott has a strong sense of customer service and supports all MLS staff and members. Scott is very courteous and knowledgeable when it comes to explaining the budget to the members of SWAN and MLS. When it is time to work on the SWAN budget and projecting fees and increases or decreases Scott is prepared to explain the how's and why's of the budget processes. Scott Remmenga has a high standard of service and that is why I am recommending Scott for the Janet Hayes Excellence in Customer Award.” “Scott brings a wonderful combination of an accountant's analytical brain and a librarian's appreciation of good customer service to his Director of Finance position. He presents the complicated finances of MLS, SWAN and LIMRiCC in a clear and understandable way. Scott has always been responsive to calls and emails, and graciously answers questions I'm sure he's answered many times before. But, more importantly, he manages the demands (not always reasonable or do-able) of 80 some-odd public library "bosses" with patience and good humor. We could all be a little more like Scott! He never lets on, but I'm sure he's much happier looking at spreadsheets than dealing with some of us! Scott is a pleasure to work with and exemplifies what this award is all about.”

Outstanding Government Official – Continual Support Award

The first winner was Mayor David Webb, Jr. The nominator, Xavier Menzies, Director of the Markham Public Library made the following statement:

“Mayor Webb has been an extremely outspoken advocate for libraries and literacy throughout his administration in Markham. Mayor Webb has worked with the Illinois State legislature, which is no small feat, to pass legislation on the floor to refinance approximately $22 million of T.I.F. in order to finance the $4 million bond for library construction here in Markham. Throughout all of the ups and downs of the project, Mayor Webb confidently insisted that we will get this project completed no matter how long it takes for the people of Markham, IL and beyond.”

Vicki Foeman, aid to Mayor David Webb, Jr. accepted the award on his behalf.

The second winner went to Congressman Bobby Rush. The nominator, Mary Tuytschaevers, Director of the Acorn Public Library made the following statement about Congressman Rush:

“[Congressman Rush] has been a strong supporter of the libraries in his district by obtaining IMLS grants two years in a row for expanding services and upgrading technology.  I believe he bases his grants on need and ability to spend the funds.  Acorn was fortunate to receive $40,200 over a two year period.  We are using these funds for products and services to help our patrons.  He has been dedicated to his libraries and should be applauded and honored.”

Younus Suleman, Deputy District Director for Congressman Rush accepted the award on his behalf.

Winner of the Trustee of the Year Award was Carol Vaughan-Kissane.

The nominator, Carol Hall, Director of the Worth Public Library, made the following comment about our award recipient:

“Carol Vaughan-Kissane has been a trustee of the Brookfield Public Library for more than 30 years. During that time, Carol has held every board office, served on every standing committee, and been liaison to the Brookfield Friends of the Library. When the library board brainstormed ideas for a new fundraiser, Carol's suggestion--A Taste of Brookfield @ Your Library--proved to be a winning idea that has grown in popularity each year. She worked actively to pass a referendum to build and furnish a new library building and later promoted the passage of two successful referenda for rate increases.”

Outstanding Advocacy Award went to Dr. Steven Baule, Superintendent of Community Unit School District 201.

The nominator, Nancy Bartosz, from Westmont High School-- Community Unit School District 201, made the following comments about our award recipient: “Throughout Dr. Baule's tenure at Community Unit School District 201, we have made significant changes to our school libraries and their effectiveness in meeting the needs of students. Dr. Baule's first step as Superintendent of School was a complete overhaul of our technology hardware and software which provided teachers with reliable and seamless tools for instruction. By making the hiring of highly qualified staff a top priority, Dr. Baule added professional media specialists to all the schools in our district. His background in Technology Planning for effective teaching and learning has supported continuous improvement in our media center with a total focus on student achievement and collaboration with teachers. His leadership in providing professional development and involvement in the American Library Association models his high standards for professional growth.”

Best Practices in a Library Award went to the Blue Island Public Library for their service to the Spanish speaking population.

“The Blue Island Public Library works hard to meet the needs of the local Hispanic population, nearly a quarter of the staff speaks Spanish fluently. Over the past four years, three employees of the Library,  Lynne Ingersoll, Deb Beasley, Skye Lavin took advantage of the International Book Fair in Guadalajara, Mexico and one, Sonia Rodriguez, hopes to make the trip this fall. Attendance at the Book Fair is key to being proactive in serving the estimated 40 percent of the community. It is these kinds of initiatives and ideas that make the Blue Island Public Library stand out in the service they provide to Hispanic patrons – and all of their patrons. These practices make the Spanish speaking community members feel welcome at their Library.” Read this article http://www.mls.lib.il.us/ennounce/2008/02_06/blueislandbookfair.asp about the Blue Island Library Staff’s experience at the International Book Fair in Guadalajara Accepting on behalf of the library was Library Director Jim Deiters, and library staff members Lynn Ingersoll & Sonia Rodriguez.

The Library Leadership Award winner was Paul Whitsett, Director of the Office of Reading and Language Arts, Chicago Public Schools.

The nominator, Connie Amon, CPS Area Librarian made the following statement about our award recipient: “Paul is highly deserving of the Library Leadership award because of his exemplary service as an active, participating member in local, state, and national library organizations, and his outstanding contributions to the school library media field through his work with CPS school librarians. Paul actively seeks and maintains many professional memberships and activities, building relationships and partnerships that are vital to the ongoing needs of Chicago librarians as well as the future of school library media specialists in the state and nationally. As a result of Paul’s leadership, excellent grant seeking and writing abilities, and his fiscal expertise in general, the Department of Libraries has been able to offer a number of grants to media specialists.”

The Innovation in Technology Award goes to Darren Thompson, Manager of Information Technology and Young Adult Programming, Blue Island Public Library.

The nominator, Jim Deiters, Director of the Blue Island Public Library, made the following statement about our award recipient:

“Darren Thompson has been the Manager of Information Technology and Young Adult Programming at the Blue Island Public Library for the last four years.  Before official employment with the Library, he worked as a volunteer assisting with computers and technology. In his first four years, Darren created a Tech Annex, developed a Teen Advisory Board (TAB), recorded numerous community events for broadcast, promoted the Library tirelessly to our populace, and broadened the scope of what libraries can offer to their patrons.  VOYA, the Voice of Youth Advocates journal, featured the Tech Annex at Blue Island Public Library in their February 2008 issue. Teens utilize this space to produce both audio and video material, but also as a gathering place and a haven for creativity.”

Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Judy Fries, retired Head of Circulation.

The nominators, Nicole Suarez and Joanna Kolenda, staff from the Frankfort Public Library, stated the following about our award recipient: “Judy was the face of the Frankfort Public Library for nearly four decades. She has been entrenched in the community and a fixture in the Frankfort Public Library, in all its incarnations.  Since the 1960s, Judy began her love affair with the library by volunteering at the storefront facility in downtown Frankfort. In the 1970s, as the library evolved from a small village library to a larger district library, Judy’s role also evolved. She stepped up to the challenge and took charge of the bookmobile which suited her because she could assist in providing service to a greater number of residents in the area. In the 1980s, Judy attempted to obtain another position with the library by applying for any available position. She didn’t care in which capacity she returned, she only wanted to be back at the library. She was given the opportunity as a circulation assistant. It was during this time that Judy truly became the face of the library.  As an on-desk assistant, in addition to her circulation duties, she also intently listened to the public, took an interest in their needs, and turned customer service into an art form. In the mid-1990s Judy was promoted to Head of Circulation, which consisted of supervising and scheduling ten part-time circulation assistants. As the head of a department, Judy’s input and feedback were critical to the running of the library and day-to-day operations. Judy was essential in fostering teamwork and promoting collaboration between circulation, reference, and technical services.”

Susan K. Roberts - Strengthening our Profession Award went to Jane Schulten, Director of the Crete Public Library District.

Several nominations were received from Jane’s peers and here are just a few of their comments:

“When it comes to thinking about mentors on the south side, Jane and Susan's names remain together in my mind as a team. While Susan was very much a leader, in her own sometimes quiet way Jane stands side-by-side as valuable to her peers as Susan did. In the eight years I've known her, I've watched Jane train four other directors. I personally use her when I want backup or opinions. Jane has served on system committees and taken the lead on several zone activities from writing partnering grants to hosting events. She has taught workshops for the system and for zones 8&9.  Having known both women, I think Susan would be thrilled to see Jane win this award.”

“I believe Jane would be a fitting recipient of this award, not only because she and Susan were good friends, but also because Jane exemplifies everything that a mentor should be. She has trained the last 3 directors of the Steger-South Chicago Heights Library, and remains to mentor them in their current position. As a new director 7 years ago, she volunteered to help me understand the levying process. She is often one of the people I turn to when I come across a problem that I am having trouble resolving. She is always patient and willing to help me. Jane often works closely with her staff to mentor them in the profession. I have spoken to her adult services manager who has said that Jane is teaching all the aspects of library work.  Jane often volunteers to help write grants with the other directors, and is usually a speaker in the annual trustee workshop that Zones 8 & 9 host. Not only does she feel it is important to help her peers and new directors and staff, but also sees the need to educate trustees. To sum up, Jane Schulten is the epitome of a mentor. She is committed to maintaining a level of professionalism and integrity to the library world.  She is a valuable asset to any library and the local library landscape.”

Special Recognition Awards recognize an individual or library for their distinguished and significant contribution to the community.   One person and one library received this award.

The first award winner was Donald Schnering, Board President, Posen Public Library for his leadership and expertise.

The nominator, Kathleen Miller, wrote the following comments:

“I have worked very closely with Donald Schnering when a crisis occurred at our library.  He stood firm, took charge, and proceeded to ensure that the residents of Posen never lost one day of service.  I am so proud to be working with this young man who puts the people of Posen first and foremost. I can't imagine any other trustee out there in Illinois that’s more exceptional.  His honesty and integrity has earned him the trust of the Village of Posen residents.”

The second award of Special Recognition goes to the Chicago Ridge Public Library for its CHICK-IT-OUT program. 

In a brief synopsis, the program involved turning their Youth Services Department into a farm, securing 38 eggs and an incubator.  In 21 days, patrons watched the arrival of 12 chicks.  While waiting for the eggs to hatch, the library offered story time, a review of how the chick was growing in the egg each day, and ending with chicken craft songs, finger plays, and a chicken dance every afternoon.  This creative endeavor increased the library’s circulation by 25%.

Accepting on behalf of the library are Constance Van Swol and Irene Ciciora, who were the initiators of the CHICK-IT-OUT program.

Congratulations to all the award winners. Be sure to look in the Spring 2010 for the opportunity to nominate someone for next year’s awards.

Questions about this article can be emailed to consultants@mls.lib.il.us.

 

Published November 4, 2009 in vol. 3, iss. 21 [View]