Archive: Around Town

In recognition of their commitment to superior service, collection development, programming and community outreach, four members of the Tompkins County Public Library staff received awards in October.

Library Director Susan Currie lauded the efforts of staff members Sarah Glogowski, Michelle Saraceni, Sally Grubb and Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty, who were recognized by area library and service groups.

“We spend a great deal of time championing the services, programs and collections of the library,” Currie said, “but none of these things would be possible without the enthusiasm, creativity and dedication of our staff.  These well-deserved awards highlight their efforts and remind us of how important the work of library employees is to our entire community.”

Glogowski, head of the library’s Youth Services Department, received the Finger Lakes Library System’s Joan Cooke Youth Services Award.  Glogowski transitioned from the Adult Services Department to Youth Services in 2013 and has been instrumental in the development of new programs for infants, toddlers, elementary-aged children and young adults.  Under her leadership, participation in TCPL’s Summer Reading Program increased by 200 percent, reference questions answered by the department increased by 51 percent and collaborations with community organizations led to a double-digit percentage increase in program attendance.

Saraceni, a  19-year TCPL employee, received the Ithaca Rotary Club’s Pride of Workmanship Award.  The award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrates initiative and consistency and embodies the spirit of an organization.

Walking into the library to find so many books, magazines and resources can be a magical experience, but it is only through careful and thorough collection management that the community can enjoy such access. Through her work as a library page, Saraceni conscientiously and carefully helps to ensure that the collection and circulation needs of patrons are met.  She has served on several library committees and provides thoughtful insight into matters of library operation and policy. Saraceni can often be found helping patrons locate hard-to-find books with genuine kindness and a commitment to customer service.

Grubb and Wheeler-Carmenatty were awarded the South Central Regional Library Council’s 2014 Public Relations Award for their work on the Library’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Grubb, the Library’s art exhibit coordinator, and Wheeler-Carmenatty, public programming and community relations coordinator, developed, promoted and coordinated events and exhibits in celebration of the Library’s 150 years of service to Tompkins County, including the art exhibit “Diary of A Library:  A Community Card Catalog of Pictures, Memories and Stories,”  and an afternoon of proclamations and presentations by state and local officials.  Additionally, the duo successfully applied for the opportunity to exhibit the American Library Association’s traveling exhibit “Lincoln:  the Constitution and the Civil War,” which, through companion programs, illustrated what life was like locally and nationally during the years in which the library was being chartered and constructed.

Through their efforts, the Library’s Sesquicentennial received front-page coverage in local and regional print publications, as well as features on area television and radio programs.

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