The 2008 Library Trustee and Library Program of the Year Awards were presented at the 51st Annual Meeting.  The SALS Board recognized the hard work done by trustees as well as recognized the good work and excellent services in the member libraries in 2008. David Bendekovic’s keynote address, The Secret of Success: What world class libraries know and do wrapped up the evening sharing the SALS Board’s sentiment.
2008 Library Trustee of the Year Awards
Richard “Dick” Merrill-Crandall Public Library:
Dick Merrill became a trustee of the Crandall Public Library in 2004 and served as President of the Board in 2006, just after the passage of the Library’s bond for the renovation and expansion of the Crandall Public Library building. Dick helped to steer the library board, staff and community through the building process. During his tenure as Board President, he provided leadership during the design phase, the hiring of the construction manager, final design approval, the bidding process, demolition of parts of the building, helped to temporarily relocate the library in order to provide continued service to the community, assisted in raining $6 million dollars for th eproject, worked to pass a budget with a 20% increase while all the time keeping the lines of communication open with the press, the public, the staff and the Board. Dick’s advice was always “Keep it positive.” For the Crandall Public Library, Dick Merrill was the right person at the right time for the Library renovation and expansion. Dick excelled in civility and he will always be a role model in our hearts for fairness, hard work and a job well done.
Thomas Mellon—Stillwater Free Library:
Tom Mellon has been a trustee at the Stillwater Free Library since 2001. He is currently serving as Treasurer and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. The community of Stillwater has been home to Tom for his entire life and he feels strongly that the community should have a library that is constant and professional. Tom maintains important contacts with local organizations, including school board meetings, and local municipal meetings, and reaches out to many community members. Tom has guided the restoration of the 135 year old library building, and is the watchdog for fairness and policy at all board meetings. He ensures that the library remains as transparent as possible because he believes that library service is an important and vital aspect to community life.
2008 Library Program of the Year Awards
Mechanicville Loser’s Challenge:
The goal of this program was to encourage healthy behavioral lifestyle changes for the residents of Mechanicville through educational and low cost fitness programs. The library challenged the City of Mechanicville to form teams and become “losers.” During the twelve-week program, 160 people rose to the challenge and as a result, some Mechanicville residents are now 1,000 pounds lighter. Working with area businesses, restaurants, fitness centers, the media and Seton Health, people were encouraged to develop a
healthy and active lifestyle. Aiding to the success of the participants was the team participation component, information provided by health care professionals and the many community sponsors. The library provided the space for people to meet and to hold the weekly informational programs necessary to build confidence and maintain a positive attitude.
Corinth Free Library-Living on the Edge:
The library hosted a year-long series of ambitious programs called “Living on the Edge.” The logo and tagline, Life…in the foothills…on the banks of the Hudson…on the verge of the forest…near the turning point of history…set the theme for library programs in 2008. The programs highlighted the advantages of living in Corinth. Funding for the project came from a variety of resources, including Senator Farley, Library Services and Technology Act funds, SALS and the Friends of the Corinth Library. The programs included an art instruction workshop for children, an adult historical program, intergenerational concerts, a ventriloquist, a living history program, and a program on landscape archaeology. Due to the success of “Living on the Edge,” the library will continue to provide year long theme based quality programs for all the residents of the community.
***************************************************************
Please enjoy some photos from the evening.