Maine Library Excellence Award 2006
Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham and Casco Public Library were named recipients of the 2006 Maine Library Excellence Award.
State Librarian J. Gary Nichols presented the Awards on January 11 in the State House Hall of Flags. The event coincided with Maine Libraries Week, January 7-13.
The Maine Library Excellence Award began in 2004 to recognize exemplary public library services and programs. It is sponsored by the Maine State Library, Maine Library Association, Maine Library Trustees Association, and Friends of Maine Libraries. Awards are presented in categories based on population served. Baxter won in the over 10,000 population category. Casco won in the below 10,000 category.
Pam Turner, Baxter Memorial Library
“The librarians from these exemplary libraries have demonstrated strong leadership and community awareness,” State Librarian J. Gary Nichols said. “Their approach and programs are models for libraries everywhere.”
Baxter Memorial Library
Baxter Memorial Library was honored for its annual writing contest, sponsored by their Friends of the Library. Begun in 1998 as part of a fundraising effort, the Friends focused on building community support for the library. The writing contest was developed with the help of library staff and volunteers. It has become a community highlight during the past six years. More than 90 people attended the library’s 2006 awards ceremony during which students read their winning entries. The event was broadcast on the local cable channel and the local newspaper published the first prize entries.
Casco Public Library
Carolyn Paradise, Casco Public Library
Casco Public Library was recognized for its “Homeschool Alliance” program created in response to the needs of Casco homeschooling families who travel great distances to access homeschool resources. The materials and programs are open to the public and have enriched the library collection and community. The Casco Library/"Homeschool Alliance" sponsors diverse programs such as a chess club, an ongoing writing group, annual academic fairs, book groups, as well as classes in poetry, archeology, French, mineralogy, drama, and art history.
