Pa Library Association Recognizes the 2020 New Librarian

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Christi Buker, PA Library Association Executive Director

717-766-7663 or [email protected]  

Julie Miller of the Warren Public Library named New Librarian of the Year

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 8, 2020) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, the 2020 Trustee of the Year was awarded.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to present the 2020 New Librarian Honors Award to Julie Miller, Interlibrary Loan Librarian at the Warren Public Library.

When Julie was hired at Warren Public Library, she was given the difficult task of revamping the Interlibrary Loan department, which was in much need of an update. She jumped at the opportunity with confidence and ability, improving accessibility and efficiency for not only Warren Public Library patrons and staff, but also for the 17 libraries and 5 counties within the district.

   With a background in graphic arts, Julie undertook the design and management of the library’s advertising and promotional materials which vastly improved the cohesiveness of the library’s marketing efforts. Sharing her editing skills and valuable insight, she also worked on the Midwinter Fundraiser and the Annual Giving Letter, which saw an increase in donation mailings under her new design.

Continuing to go above and beyond her responsibilities, Julie became an invaluable member to several library committees, including the art gallery and the Teen Space. She was instrumental in turning the library’s Teen Space project into a massive library renovation and managed the library’s Keystone Grant application, ensuring it was accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Julie also regularly assists the Teen and Adult Services Specialist and helped institute a special teen library card for Warren Public Library patrons.

“Our members and libraries have been doing amazing things, particularly during this pandemic” said Michele Legate, 2020 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.  “It is so important to take a little time to recognize the incredible work that our colleagues have done.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.  

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staffs and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all of our 2020 winners.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.   

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state’s oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians. For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org