[Libs-Or] Oregon Library Association Awards

[BENNETT Connie J]

News Release

For Immediate Release

April 30, 2007

Subject:		Oregon Library Association Awards

Contact Person:	Connie J. Bennett, Library Services Director
			Eugene Public Library
			100 West 10th Avenue
			Eugene, OR 97401
			(541) 682-5363
			connie.j.bennett at ci.eugene.or.us <mailto:connnie.j.bennett at ci.euene.or.us> 

The Oregon Library Association (OLA) honored the following library employees and supporters at its annual conference in Corvallis during the week of April 18. These individuals were chosen for demonstrated excellence in library service in Oregon. 

Honorary Lifetime Award

Ronnie Budge, 2004 Librarian of the year, was awarded the Honorary Lifetime Award for Excellence in Library Services. She devoted over 33 years to library work and spent the past 20 years in the Jackson County Library. Her community partnerships and creative programs provided many opportunities for efficient innovations. She retired in February. She is now volunteering with other community leaders to facilitate the opening of the recently closed Jackson County Library. 

Oregon Librarian of the Year & OLÉ Award

Teresa Landers, Deputy Library Director of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, was named Oregon Librarian of the Year.  Her inspiring results have had a positive impact on many communities and she is recognized as a local, regional, and national leader in library services.  Theresa also won the OLÉ Award. This award is given to a person who has displayed exceptional effort and is so named in recognition of the recipient's efforts to "take the bull by the horns" to get a job done. 

Employee of the Year

Marcia Poehler, Adult Services Senior Assistant in the Salem Public Library, received the Employee of the Year Award.  Marcia has been described as the "heart" of Adult Services at Salem Public Library.  Nominators said she is able to combine an uncanny, pro-active sense of what needs to be done in the larger picture of work management in Adult Services, with a gracious and engaging manner for encouraging staff to collaborate on problem-solving. She also celebrates 20 years of dedication in 2007!

Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award

Carol Reich, Youth Services Manager, Hillsboro Public Library, was awarded the Lampman Award. She has demonstrated leadership by inspiring generations of children to grow up to be readers, and collaborated with many partners, such as the Harkins House Juvenile Shelter and the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center to improve access to books and encourage reading by children and teens in her community. State Librarian Jim Scheppke notes that Reich "oversees a vibrant, active youth services department in Hillsboro which has been innovative and creative in programming and services." For nearly 20 years, Carol Reich has served as a role model for library staff who wants to make an impact on children's literacy and library use.

OYEA Award 

Teen Librarians Andrew Cherbas and Heidi Weisel, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, won the OYEA Award for outstanding services to young adults. Their creative and innovative programs have made the difference in many lives.

Library Supporters of the Year (2 Awards)

The Library Supporter of the Year had two winners. Freda Vars, of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, was recognized for her long-time volunteer service, as well as for her years as a State Library Board member. 

Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) Teams (handler and dog) throughout Oregon received the same award. These dedicated teams travel to different library branches after school or on weekends helping young readers.

OLA President's Award

The OLA President's Award was given to Camila Gabaldón, Collection Development Librarian/Assistant Professor, Western Oregon University. 

For more information about the Oregon Library Association Annual Conference and its awards, go to www.olaweb.org.

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Connie J. Bennett
Library Services Director

Eugene Public Library
100 West 10th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401

(541) 682-5363   Fax (541) 682-5898
connie.j.bennett at ci.eugene.or.us