CLA 2019 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award ▬ Monica Chapa-Domercq ▬ Oceanside Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

2019 Award Recipient

Monica Chapa Domercq, Oceanside Public Library

CLA: 2020

Monica Chapa-Domercq is Principal Librarian of the Oceanside Public Library and manages reference services, public programming and collection development for adults. She recently began overseeing the READS Literacy program. She implements community conversations to inclusively inform development of locally relevant programs and services. As an active participant in the cultural life of Oceanside, Monica strengthens bonds by creating partnerships and collaborating with local leaders while serving on committees for cultural celebrations and festivals.

=This year, her team was the recipient of the Book to Action grant from the California Center for the Book, and she served on the ‘One Book, One San Diego’ Selection Committee. She has directed five National Endowment for the Arts ‘Big Read’ grants for the Library, and will be working on the Library’s sixth such community-wide read in February/March 2020.

Past Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library (2018)
John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library (2018)
Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library (2017)
Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library (2016)
Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries (2015)
Natasha Casteel, Roseville Public Library (2014)
Patricia Noa, OC Public Libraries (2013)
Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library (2012)
Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library (2011)
Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library (2010)
Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library (2009)
Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library (2008)
Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library (2007)
John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library (2006)
Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library (2005)
Leslie McGinnis, Oakland Public Library (2004)
Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library (2003)

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.  The award is sponsored by Grass Roots Press.

One award will be given out in 2020. The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipient will receive one year free individual CLA membership and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.  Additionally, Grass Roots Press will give the recipient's library $350 of materials of the recipient's choice to support adult literacy.

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Application period will close on February 1, 2021

READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 15

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

 

CLA 2018 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award :: Stacey Costello Colusa Co :: John Szabo LAPL

2018 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award

CLA Net: 6.29.2018

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.

Two awards will be given out in 2018.  The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipients will each receive $1,000 and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.

The award is sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the California Center for the Book.

2018 Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library

Stacey Zwald Costello returned home to Colusa County after more than fifteen years in the Bay Area, where she worked as a Curatorial Assistant in the history department of the Oakland Museum of California, and later as Assistant Editor at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.

Costello started her official tenure on the centennial anniversary of the Colusa County Free Library, and has since worked to broaden services and programming, update collections and take the library system into its second hundred years with the ability to meet the evolving needs of the community. Working with library staff, patrons, and community organizations, the library has been able to expand service hours, build collections more reflective of our community, revitalize branch locations and improve the overall health of the library.

Unfortunately, Colusa County currently has an illiteracy rate of 34%.  In just under 3 years of Costello taking the helm, she has supported the Colusa County Free Library Literacy Program in the creation of a digital literacy program, U.S. citizenship seminars, an adult learner book and conversation clubs, and the recruitment and retention of adult tutors and learners alike. In addition, Costello was awarded a grant from the California State Library for access to the Career Online High School program. In support of developing and fostering early literacy skills and a love of reading, Costello has introduced weekly family story time to all seven branch locations, as well as provided programming in Spanish and for children with special needs, supported the expansion of the Raising a Reader program and hosted Growing Start Playgroups in our most rural outposts.

Her commitment to literacy services is a reflection of her commitment to the community at large, and her belief that literacy is an integral aspect to being a productive and happy person.

John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library

John F. Szabo is the City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, which serves over four million people—the largest population of any public library in the United States.  He oversees the Central Library, 72 branches and the library’s $182 million budget.

Under his leadership, the Library’s major initiatives include those related to immigrant integration and citizenship, improving financial literacy and providing health resources and programs.  He has expanded the library’s reach into the city’s diverse communities through partnerships with several community-based organizations.

He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in public libraries, previously serving as the director of four libraries including the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of OCLC and on the Board of Directors for California Humanities and the University of Southern California Center for Library Leadership and Management.  He has previously served on the Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council and as president of the Florida Library Association.

Past Winners:

2017: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

2016: Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

2015: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

California Library Association :: 2018 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

CLA Literacy Interest Group

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.

Two awards will be given out in 2018. The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipients will each receive $1,000 and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.

The award is sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the California Center for the Book.

Submit Your Nomination!

The 2018 award nomination period will close on

Friday, March 30, 2018 at 5:00pm.

Eligibility

➤The nominee can be a library staff member who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy: outreach, programming, advocacy, recruitment, public awareness, collection development, fundraising, other -- you name it!

➤The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services.

➤Persons nominated for the award are required to be CLA members.

➤Nominators are not required to be CLA members. However, if a nomination is made by a non-member, the nomination must be endorsed by a CLA member. If you need assistance in finding a CLA member to endorse your nomination, please contact the CLA office no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.

➤Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is permitted.

➤The OLSL Award is an individual award and a nomination may not be made for a group.

How to nominate
➤Nominators should submit the following to CLA:

➤A brief description of what the nominee has done to demonstrate passion, excellence, and dedication on behalf of literacy. (Not to exceed 300 words.)

➤Information about the nominee's library background and what the nominee's outstanding qualities are. E.g., how long has s/he worked in libraries and what has been the nature of that work? (Not to exceed 150 words.)

➤Anything else the committee should know about the nominee. (Not to exceed 150 words.)

The California Center for the Book is a recipient of a local Library of Congress Literacy Award for use in supporting state literacy initiatives. Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards program furthers the Library's mission by honoring organizations that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in the United States or abroad. The awards also encourage the continuing development of innovative methods for promoting literacy and the wide dissemination of the most effective practices. They are intended to draw public attention to the importance of literacy, and the need to promote literacy and encourage reading.

Past Winners:

2017: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

2016: Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

2015: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

CLA Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award 2017 :: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

CLA: 2017

Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

Four years ago, when the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula, California, found itself in the midst of legal, financial, and administrative difficulties, the Board of Trustees hired Ned Branch to turn around the library.

Previously, he worked in private post-secondary education for 27 years, having been affiliated with institutions in Northern and Southern California and Oregon.  During that time, he also frequently served as a member of accreditation review teams and worked extensively with state education agencies. His experience enabled him to put the library on solid financial foundation and to build a team of dedicated people to provide for the library’s future success. During the most recent school year, he initiated a partnership among the local school district, First Five of California, and the library to provide daytime ESL classes for parents and preschool instruction for children while the parents were in class. The district, First Five, and the library recently agreed to continue the program in the 2017-18 school year.

Last year the Santa Paula Latino Town Hall honored the library with its annual Community Service award, and this year the local Chamber of Commerce designated the library as the 2016 Non-Profit of the Year. Throughout his career, Ned has endeavored to help individuals change their lives for the better through education.  His commitment to adult literacy stems from his belief that literacy changes not only the life of the learner but also the learner’s children and, in turn, their children.

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy. One award is given each year and the recipient is honored at the CLA annual conference.

Past award recipients

Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library (2016) 

Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries (2015) 

Natasha Casteel, Roseville Public Library (2014) 

Patricia Noa, OC Public Libraries (2013)

Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library (2012)

Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library (2011)

Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library (2010)

Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library (2009)

Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library (2008)

Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library (2007)

John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library (2006)

Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library (2005)

Leslie McGinnis, Oakland Public Library (2004)

Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library (2003)

Sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, BALit, SCLLN, and NCLC

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

2016 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award :: Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

2016 Outstanding Librarian

in Support of Literacy Award

Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

Literacy Interest Group, California Library Association

CLA: 8.21.2016

Heather Pizzuto has served as the Library & Cultural Arts Director for the City of Carlsbad since 2005.  She joined the Carlsbad City Library in 2000 as Principal Librarian overseeing public services. Before coming to Carlsbad, Heather managed the San Clemente Library for ten years, and began her career with the City of Ontario operating its bookmobile service and opening its first branch library.

Literacy and lifelong learning are a particular passion of Heather’s. She is proud of the services that have grown from sustained support, which demonstrate a commitment to serve the whole community in the learning journey. As a founding participant in the California Library Literacy Services program, Carlsbad’s adult literacy program has been in existence 32 years and is stronger than ever as it continues to positively impact the lives of individual learners and thereby strengthening the community. The Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, opened in 2008, offers lifelong learning services spanning early childhood literacy, family literacy, and technology literacy. Partnerships with a variety of agencies enable the Learning Center to offer lifelong learning programs for the 50+ population and ESL instruction, as well as migrant education programs and the Career Online High School program.

Heather is a member of the City’s Leadership Team, responsible for overseeing the city’s three library facilities, as well as cultural arts services that include the signature TGIF Concerts in the Parks program, Cannon Art Gallery and public art collection. The Library & Cultural Arts Department also offers a wide range of literary and performing arts programs.

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy. One award is given each year and the recipient is honored at the CLA annual conference.

The honoree receives $750 to support his or her continued engagement with the California Library Association. The funds may be used for CLA conference travel expenses and/or CLA membership renewal.

Sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, BALit, SCLLN, and NCLC

Past Winners:

2015: Jayanti Addleman, County Librarian, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

2016 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award :: Nominations Due March 18

2016 Outstanding Librarian

in Support of Literacy Award

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy. One award is given each year and the recipient is honored at the CLA Awards Ceremony during the annual conference.

The honoree receives a plaque and $750 to support his or her continued engagement with the California Library Association. The funds may be used for CLA conference travel expenses and/or CLA membership renewal.

The award is sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. It is also supported by BALit, SCLLN, and NCLC.

Nominations must be received by March 18, 2016 – 5:00pm PST

Purpose: This award is to recognize and honor a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.

Eligibility

•The nominee can be a library staff member who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy: outreach, programming, advocacy, recruitment, public awareness, collection development, fundraising, other -- you name it!

•The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services.

•Persons nominated for the award are required to be CLA members.

•Nominators are not required to be CLA members. However, if a nomination is made by a non-member, the nomination must be endorsed by a CLA member. If you need assistance in finding a CLA member to endorse your nomination, please contact the CLA office no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.

•Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is permitted.

•The OLSL Award is an individual award and a nomination may not be made for a group.

Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is allowed. This is an individual award – nomination cannot be for a group. The winner will be honored at the CLA 2016 Conference in Sacramento.

Past Winners:

2015: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

2015 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award :: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

2015 Award Recipient

Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

Literacy Interest Group, California Library Association

Jayanti Addleman is passionate about bringing library services to poor, underserved and marginalized communities. Recognizing the intense need in Monterey County, Jayanti has encouraged innovative ways for delivering literacy services like using online programs and apps, and instituting the “Navigating a New World” classes which serve agricultural workers by dividing the year into a “Growing season” (when workers are in the fields) and a “Learning season” (when workers can improve their English literacy skills in the library).

Jayanti is notorious for being unable to say “No” to interesting and creative ideas, and MCFL has instituted many new programs and collaborations in recent years. She also strongly hopes for world peace and feels that 100% literacy along with intercultural awareness are our best hope for attaining peace.  Earlier this year she was selected as one of the Outstanding Women of Monterey County and also received the “Front Line Award” from the Child Abuse Prevention Council.

This award, established in 2003 (Literacy Interest Group), recognizes and honors a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.

Past Winners:

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award :: 2015

2015 Outstanding Librarian

in Support of Literacy Award

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy. One award is given each year and the recipient is honored at the CLA Awards Ceremony during the annual conference.

The honoree receives a plaque and $750 to support his or her continued engagement with the California Library Association. The funds may be used for CLA conference travel expenses and/or CLA membership renewal.

The award is sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. It is also supported by BALit, SCLLN, and NCLC.

Nominations must be received by March 31, 2015

Purpose: This award is to recognize and honor a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.
Eligibility

•The nominee can be a library staff member who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy: outreach, programming, advocacy, recruitment, public awareness, collection development, fundraising, other -- you name it!

•The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services.

•Persons nominated for the award are required to be CLA members.

•Nominators are not required to be CLA members. However, if a nomination is made by a non-member, the nomination must be endorsed by a CLA member. If you need assistance in finding a CLA member to endorse your nomination, please contact the CLA office no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.

•Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is permitted.

•The OLSL Award is an individual award and a nomination may not be made for a group.

Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is allowed. This is an individual award – nomination cannot be for a group. The winner will be honored at the CLA 2015 Conference in Pasadena.

Past Winners:

2104: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library