2011 Annual Awards
Group Award
Municipalities less than 15,000
Friends of the Weston Library
Weston, CT
The Weston Library is quite small and does not have anyone on staff to handle programs. When asked how the Friends of the Weston Library could serve the library, the previous director asked them to help provide programs. To that end, the Friends of the Weston Library has brought interesting speakers and events to the library for the benefit of the town. The Lunch and Learn Series meets at noon in the community room. Residents bring a bag lunch and listen to speakers who are well known individuals. They also have partnered with the Weston Women’s League to bring even more speakers to this series. The Friend’s hospitality volunteers provide coffee and light desserts. They have shown two documentary films with attending directors for a discussion after the screening. They sponsor two monthly book clubs one led by an English professor and another by an author. They sponsor many and unique children’s program. One, a theatre program titled “Play with Your Food” was executed with only a charge for the lunch. They run a chess program for children with the masters at Fairfield County chess. Halloween and summer programs bring enthusiastic audiences! All are repeated because of interest and attendance. A sold out gala with a Broadway musical director provided needed funds and fun. After not having a Friends group for some years, the current Friends of the Weston Library revived the organization in the last 5 years with a small board of 10 people.
Nominated by Leslie Geller
Focused Project Award
Municipalities less than 15,000
Friends of the Rathburn Library
East Haddam, CT
In April 2010, the Rathburn Library began its celebrations for the 75th Anniversary with the Friends of the Rathburn Library publication of “East Haddam Artists”, a beautiful full-color book highlighting the many creative people who live and work in their town. Maureen Tarbox and Jane Lewis, Friends of the Rathburn board members had the vision for this project. These two individuals knew of the library’s ongoing art exhibits over the years. Their diligence resulted in the participation of over 30 artists. The work involved collecting images of the art and working with the publishers on layout and production. Upon publication, the Friends of the Rathburn Library hosted a Sunday afternoon art reception/gala with the artwork displayed throughout the main room of the library. Over 100 people attended the reception/gala. That day the book sales covered the expenses for the project and from then on the Friends of the Rathburn Library realized a profit on this important project. They have sold over 250 copies by February 2010. This wonderful project brought a sense of pride to the residents of East Haddam and recognition to the Friends of the Rathburn Library.
Nominated by Kathleen Marszycki
Focused Project Award
Municipalities 15,000 to 25,000
Friends of the Scranton Library
Madison, CT
The Friends of the Scranton Library are always searching for new fundraising ideas. The FOSL help close the gap between the town budget allocation as well as supporting needed programs. In March 2010, the Assistant Treasurer, Caroline Guenther proposed the ideas of a perpetual or “Forever” Calendar, a book to record birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates to remember. Caroline organized a committee that brought the project to life. It needed to be beautiful, reasonably priced, and needed to be ready by November 2010 so that it could be sold at the holidays. They sought an experienced printer and graphic designer, people who had helped them before. In addition to offset some of the costs, twelve businesses each provided $200 in support. Another Friends of the Scranton Library board member, Ann Ward served as the art director for the project. She searched and found 26 local area artists willing to contribute their work to illustrate the calendar. There are photographs, drawings, and paintings of Madison scenes appropriate to the month on every page. The calendar also includes a brief history of the library, a brief description of the Friends of the Scranton Library and 2 recipes for “Sally’s not so secret anymore library punches” often served at Friends events. The calendars are sold at the library and at 4 of the sponsor locations. By December 2010, the sales had more than paid off the printing costs. When all the calendars are sold, the Friends of the Scranton Library will realize a profit of $5,000.
Nominated by Sandy Long
Focused Project Award
Municipalities over 25,000
Ann Tartaglione and Andrea Schieckel
Branford, CT
Ann Tartglione and Andrea Schieckel head the children’s section of the Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library (FJBML) annual book sale. This includes receiving, sorting, pricing, organizing and selling the books as well as recruiting the people to help do these tasks. The customer base for children’s books at the FJBML book sale includes families who are “home schooling” children; school librarians and classroom teachers from the region; parents and children; book dealers and many other smaller groups of customers. In 2007, the gross revenue from children’s books was $3400. Ann and Andrea agreed to take responsibility for the children’s operation following that book sale. The goal they have set is to reach gross revenues of $10,000. Their progress toward this goal is reflected in the taking of gross revenues from $4300 in 2008 to $9600 in 2010. To accomplish this growth, they have recruited an excellent team that works seamlessly and effectively all year. The team’s work includes everything from sorting to organizing and selling. The books are organized into over 25 categories and by doing so, the transport people moving the books to the sale on the Town Green say they have cut the time by half. The children’s section of the book sale is a separate section in the “big tent” with their own cashiers. It is beautifully organized with effective signs, colorful displays and a team who knows their books and can help anyone.
Nominated by Kathy Rieger and the FJBML
Individual Achievement Award
Municipalities 15,000 to 25,000
Sara Leighton
Guilford, CT
In ten years as a member of the Friends of the Guilford Free Library, Sara (Sally) Leighton has accomplished a lifetime’s work. She has served as secretary, treasurer, and co-chair of the annual Friends of the Guilford Free Library Book and Bake sale. In addition, she has organized the selling of books on line, and organized and run a book group that has divided into three groups. She has served as a member of the board of directors of the Guilford Library Association for 2 terms. When Sally began to help run the annual Book and Bake sale, she is described as “kicking it up a notch”. This sale is now entering its 30th year with recognition as a major shoreline weekend event and proceeds that have topped $40,000. Her willingness to take on a new task, learn new skills, and change the mode of selling books led to the development of the capability to sell books online. Specialty books that are not used in the book sale are sold online and sales number $10,000 for the last five years. Sally is also a developer and innovator in program services. In addition to her book sale leadership, she contributed to the library programs by personally organizing and running a book group that continues to sub divide. This has resulted in creating more learning and enjoyment for increasing numbers of library patrons. Her organizational abilities, work ethic, and time commitment are the gifts she gives so generously.
Nominated by Sandra Ruoff
Individual Achievement Award
Municipalities over 25,000
Doris LaRese
Southington
In the late 1960’s Doris LaRese served as treasurer of the Library Board of Directors. For the past fourteen years, Doris has been the driving force behind the revitalization of the Friends of Southington Library. She has also served as a representative of the Friends of the Southington Library on the library’s community based long range planning committee. Under her direction as president, friends of the Southington Library runs one of the most successful library book stores in the state with revenues of over $200 000 in the past 15 years. Doris supervises and trains the over 35 volunteers working in the bookstore. She spends at least 10 hours per week ensuring the bookstore is organized and always staffed with informed volunteers. Her energy, efficiency, military-like precision are a large part of the success of the bookstore operation. She is the first to say that she does not accomplish this alone. Her team leadership includes Virginia Siton, Claudia Judson, and Terry Bernard and they meet weekly to make decisions, plan for special events and solve problems. The resulting funds contributed to the Southington Library support many children’s programs, scholar-led book discussions, on-going programs, as well as new initiatives. Doris LaRese is a “results oriented” leader who shares her skills easily and consistently over time.
Nominated by Susan Smayda
Individual Achievement Award
Municipalities less than 15,000
Jean Tatro
Cromwell, CT
Jean Tatro has a long history of involvement with the Cromwell Belden Public Library. She is a lifetime resident of Cromwell and has participated in the library’s activities throughout her life. There are four generations of Tatros who have also enjoyed programs. She is a longtime member of the Friends of the Cromwell Belden Public Library and has served as Chairman and Membership Chairman. The Friends of the Cromwell Belden Library primarily raises revenues through the book sales that have been numerous each and every year. Jean’s artistic talent makes the posters and flyers very attractive but her service does not end there. She also works with the set up, breakdown, and sorting for each sale. Jean participates in many outreach activities including historical society events. At the annual Cromwell Festival, the Friends of the Cromwell Belden Public have a book sale, offer information about their organization, and provide children’s games. Her artistic work is evident at any and all events. In addition to the local organizations, she has obtained the support of local business with one business featuring a donation jar for the library. Like all dedicated Friends leaders, Jean’s work results in learning and enjoyment for many of the citizens in Cromwell. Her hallmark may be art, but her efforts result in important library programs and recognition for the Friends of the Cromwell Belden Public Library.
Nominated by Friends of the Cromwell Belden Public Library
