by Christina Stoll, MLS

The Children’s Librarians Association of the South Suburbs (CLASS) presented the Rita A. Bert Librarianship Award at their May 3rd meeting. This award is issued to a librarian who has demonstrated consistently over time the qualities of Professionalism, Dedication, Graciousness and Humanitarianism.

This year’s recipient is Ms. Dee Delaney, Youth Services Department Head, Homewood Public Library (http://www.homewoodlibrary.org).
Dee began her library career in Homewood in 1993, as a Circulation Clerk.  Her ability to work well with others was immediately recognized, and in the next few years her responsibilities grew. Dee’s talent of engaging young patrons garnered her promotion to Youth Services Manager in 1997.  While working full time and raising a family, she also earned a Masters in Library Science Degree in 2001.  This is no easy task.  Dee’s great popularity with the children at Homewood continues; they affectionately refer to her as “Ms. Dee.” 
  
Ms. Dee has been instrumental in establishing many library programs: Baby Bloomers, Story-hour, Tot lap-sit, Parent/Child book discussions, and TV Turn –off Week to name a few.

In 2002-2003, Dee was elected Vice-President/President-Elect of CLASS. She became CLASS president in September 2003 and led the association with professionalism, graciousness, and competency. During her tenure she raised awareness of important library issues and rallied CLASS members to advocate for libraries and librarianship. Dee also led RAY, a Reader’s Advisory group for Youth Services. She professionally facilitated meetings and assisted other librarians in discovering good reads in a wide variety of genres for their patrons.

Beyond serving locally and within the MLS, Dee also serves the library profession nationally. She is a board member of LACONI (Library Administrators Conference of Northern Illinois).  In this position, she shares her vision and vast knowledge with colleagues across Northern Illinois who serve youth and teens.  Dee’s service on these committees, plus regular attendance at state and national conferences, provides great opportunities to strongly advocate librarianship, and make “literally 50 new best friends” each time she travels.

Zena Smith from Midlothian Public Library who presented the award to Dee said, “I was especially honored to present the Rita A. Bert Award to this year's winner Dee Delaney, because she encouraged me to be her successor and lead RAY. She has made herself available to answer questions and give advice and encouragement. Dee really has a heart for library services.”

Congratulations, Ms. Dee Delaney!

To learn more about CLASS visit http://www.mls.lib.il.us/members/networking_groups_topic.asp#Youth

Published June 9, 2010 in vol. 4, iss. 11 [View]