Library Journal honors Iowa librarians

Congratulations to interim director Tamara Glise and the Cedar Rapids Public Library management team for being named Library Journal's "Librarians of the Year: Team Cedar Rapids."  Their devotion to their customers duriing the spring floods of 2008 was remarkable.  The management team, staff and trustees made diligent efforts to be sure the citizens of Cedar Rapids had at least the bare necessities at their branch library, while they worked tirelessly to find a way to open a larger venue (a bridge library) in a local mall.

As stated in Library Journal, "For their courage, their indomitable optimism, and their deep and strong commitment to uninterrupted library service to the people of Cedar Rapids, the CRPL management team has been named the 2009 LJ Librarian of the Year. That team, led by Interim Director Tamara Glise, includes adult services manager Karen Johnson, children's services manager Carol Hoke, circulation services manager Christina Riedel, adult services coordinator Rebecca Bartlett, external communication coordinator Marie DeVries, Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center's Barb Gay, IT services managers Roger Rayborn and Leon Green, shelver manager Pat Schabo, and maintenance manager Jeff Krohn."

Said Iowa Library Association President Ellen Neuhaus, "Congratulations to the staff of the Cedar Rapids Public Library for being named Librarian(s) of the Year.  The Iowa library community is proud of their award and offers them support and best wishes for the upcoming year." 

"The Cedar Rapids librarians are an inspiration to all of us," said State Librarian Mary Wegner, "and I am delighted to see them recognized by Library Journal as Librarian(s) of the Year.  Libraries are the hearts of their communities, and the Cedar Rapids library staff has worked so hard to focus on customer needs and continue to deliver essential library services.  I salute the Cedar Rapids Public Library management team for their optimism, perseverance and commitment to their community."

Said Wegner, "Librarians in surrounding communities should also be praised for opening their doors to the many Cedar Rapids citizens who needed computers and other services to do such things as fill out FEMA forms and send e-mails."