The Batavia Public Library seeks nominations for recognition as a Library Leader, an award bestowed biennially on individuals whose instrumental work benefits the Library District, its services, and our community.
This year’s award winner will be the ninth recipient. The Board of Library Trustees created this award in 2003 to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the Batavia Public Library District as Library Leaders.
Honorees are recognized in the Book of Library Leaders, which is displayed at the entrance to the Library Leaders Reading Room, known as the Quiet Reading Room.
To be eligible for this award, nominees must meet at least three of the following criteria:
• Demonstrates exemplary commitment to the goals and mission of the Batavia Public Library.
• Makes a significant and long-lasting contribution to the advancement of the Library through leadership, excellence, achievement, or volunteerism.
• Advocates for access to information and freedom of speech and expression.
• Promotes the growth and development of the Library.
• Fosters partnerships with local organizations and agencies to enhance the quality of library service in Batavia.
• Champions the Library and its services to the community.
• Encourages innovative and visionary thinking in the Library’s operations, programs, and services.
Nominees may include Batavia Public Library District residents; members of the business community; individuals affiliated with Batavia educational, civic, and philanthropic organizations; members of the Friends of the Batavia Public Library; as well as directors and volunteers of the Batavia Public Library Foundation; former members of the Board of Library Trustees; current and former employees (with at least 10 years’ service); and volunteers of the Batavia Public Library.
Recognition as a Library Leader may be awarded posthumously.
In honor of National Library Week, which is celebrated in April, nominations must be submitted by Monday, April 17. The award will be presented during Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.
Nominations may be submitted by any member of the Batavia Public Library community, including its users, support groups such as the Friends of the Batavia Public Library, volunteers, trustees and employees.
Nomination packets may be obtained in person at the Library, or from our website, at BataviaPublic
Library.org/library-leader. Completed nomination packets will include the nomination form; nominator’s letter of nomination, which explains the eligibility of their nominee; plus two letters of support.
Please mail or deliver these completed nomination packets, by April 17, to:
Library Leader Committee
Attention: Director, Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510-2449
Recognition as a Library Leader is presented in odd-numbered years by the Board of Library Trustees.
In 2021, that honor went to Jo Ann Smith, a past president of the Board of Library Trustees, past president of the Friends of the Batavia Public Library Board, and active participant on the Library’s One Book, One Batavia planning committee. Lorraine M. Ramus was the first Library Leader, in 2003.
Visit the Library’s website at BataviaPublicLibrary.org to begin exploring.
The Batavia Public Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the Fox Valley, tracing its beginnings to the 1860s when it was a library association. The Batavia Public Library District was formed in 1975. The mission of the Batavia Public Library is to provide and ensure access to materials and services to meet the lifelong learning needs of residents and organizations, as well as to create a welcoming place to gather, exchange ideas, and participate in cultural events.
—Batavia Public Library