2006 Paralibrarian Section Awards

Every year, the Paralibrarian Section of MLA gives out 2 awards.  One goes to an Outstanding Paralibrarian, a non-MLS library staffer who goes above and beyond the limits of the job title, and who exemplifies the ideal that true professionalism isn’t limited to professional librarians. The Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year goes to a person who truly appreciates the value of paralibrarians in our libraries, and who has worked to increase their opportunities and visibility.  These 2 award winners are chosen from nominees across the state.  This year, we also presented an honorary award for special service.  Each award winner receives a free membership to ALA/MLA.

2006 Outstanding Paralibrarian of the Year:  Denise Faucher, Human Resources/Volunteers, Worcester Public Library, Worcester.  Denise was nominated and chosen for her vast variety of responsibilities and accomplishments, and for her extraordinary service ethic to the library, the staff, library volunteers, and to the public.  To quote her nominator:  “Denise has the trust and respect of all staff…  (we are) fortunate that she has chosen to spend her career employed at this library, and it is a better library because of her.”

2006 Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year: Gael Nappa, Children’s Department Library Assistant, Haverhill Public Library, Haverhill.  Gael deserves this award for her hard work as a union steward, and for serving on committees of the Paralibrarian Section of MLA.  She tirelessly promotes the idea of opportunities for paralibrarians, and spreads the word about the activities of the Paralibrarian Section.  Her nominator says, “I cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more.”

Honorary Award:  Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe, Director, Marlborough Public Library, Marlborough.  The MLA Paralibrarian Section presented this special award to Betsey in appreciation of Betsey’s leadership, advocacy, and continued support.  Betsey served as the Chair of the Paralibrarian for two years, and was instrumental in reviving strong activity in the section and in fostering development of the PARA program.

23 Nominees for the 2006 Outstanding Paralibrarian of the Year Award

Karen Beaulieu, Monson Free Library, TOWN; Kimberly Bourque, Douglas Elementary School; Ruth Bradshaw, Watertown Free Public Library; Lisa Brewer, Saugus Public & Lexington Public libraries; Andrea Curran, Reuben Hoar Library, TOWN; Gerry Deyermond, Memorial Hall Library, TOWN; Nancy Dobiel, Tufts Library, Weymouth; Marie Field, Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield; Janet Graham, McQuade Library, Merrimack College; Patricia Link, Northborough Free Library; Cathy Livingstone, Oxford Public Library; Robin Martin, North Adams Public Library; Jim McGinn, Peabody Institute Library; Hannele Minsk, Kingston Public Library; Andrew Montalto, Middlesex Law Library; Joanne Nichting, East Longmeadow Public Library; Patrice O’Donnell, Reading Public Library; Amy Perriello, Tufts Library, Weymouth; Amy Regan, Dunstable Free Public Library; Karen Rogati, Jenks Library, Gordon College; Georgiana Schmid, Leverett Elementary School Library; Brian Tabor, Forbes Library, Northampton; Corinna Tiberii, Jacob Edwards Library, Southbridge.

Previous Award Recipients

Outstanding Paralibrarian of the Year

2005 Kathleen Swetish, Whelden Memorial Library, West Barnstable
2004 Lynne Riley, formerly of Holy Cross Library, Worcester

Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year

2005 Deborah Bockus, Access Services Manager, George C. Gordon Library, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester