Nominate a Librarian for the READS Award of Excellence!
Know a librarian or library staff member who goes above and beyond for adult patrons? Nominate them for the READS Award of Excellence, honoring outstanding contributions to adult library services in New Hampshire.
To recognize outstanding contributions by an individual who has been instrumental in improving library services to adults.
Examples of Service (nomination may include other forms of service)
Providing or improving technical services, outreach services, support services, facilities, or library education to an underserved area or population
Providing access to information not previously available
Providing service beyond own institution (i.e. impact or benefit to other libraries, benefit to local community, model for other libraries of similar size)
Overcoming limitations of resources (staff, time, funds)
Promoting library services through exemplary performance that is recognized by the public served
Delivering improved library and information services through creative application of technology
Improving public understanding of library and information services
Creating original work (regardless of the medium used) which contributes to the improvement of library and information services
Criteria for Recipient
Currently employed in a New Hampshire library
Nominee may be a librarian or library support staff member
Nominee may work in an academic, public, hospital, correctional, corporate or other special library or information center setting
Nomination shall describe nominee’s professional performance as a NH library employee
Individuals may only receive the award once
Current READS Board members are not eligible
Number and Frequency of Award
Only one award shall be presented annually. No award shall be given if applicants do not meet the award criteria.
Presentation of the Award
The READS Award Selection Committee shall review the candidates and select a winner prior to the READS annual fall program. Announcement shall be made at that program.
Award Winners
READS Award of Excellence Winners
2025: Michelle Stevens, Adult Services Library at the Lee Public Library
2024: Josianne Fitzgerald, Adult Services and Technology Librarian at the Moultonborough Public Library
2023: Michelle Cole, Adult Services Librarian at the Kingston Community Library
2022: Courtney Vashaw, Director at the Whitefield Public Library.
2021: Maria Schroeter, Adult Collection Development and Adult Programming Librarian at the Nesmith Library.
2019: Pamela Dziama, Customer Service Library Assistant at the Wiggin Memorial Library.
2018: Ruslyn Vear, Reference Librarian at the Amherst Town Library.
2017: Roger Robbins, Stephenson Memorial Library.
2016: Karen Frey, Circulation Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator at the Nesmith Library.
2015: Sandy Whipple, Adult Services and Outreach Coordinator at the Goffstown Public Library.
2014: Mark Glisson, Information and Technical Services Specialist at the Hooksett Library.
2013: Janet Arden, Hampstead Public Library
2012: Sophie Smith, Nashua Public Library
2011: Thelma Tracy, Assistant Librarian at the Weare Public Library
2010: Lois Freeston, Assistant Director at the Nesmith Library.
2009: Pamela Smith, Systems and Technical Services Librarian at the Howe Library.
2008: Michelle DuBreuil, Library Assistant at the Gordon-Nash Library.
2007: Ellen Knowlton, Merrimack Public Library
2006: Celina Houlne, Circulation Supervisor at the Rochester Public Library.
2005: Eleanor Croteau, Manchester City Library
New Hampshire Library Association
c/o New Hampshire State Library
20 Park Street
Concord, NH 03301-6314
