A Red Deer librarian has been awarded the highest honour granted by the Alberta Association of Library Technicians for her dedication and service to the industry.
Laurel Grimes, Red Deer Public Library Children’s Service Assistant, was awarded the 2012 Merle Harris Achievement Award in May.
“Although I am extremely proud to have received this award, it is important to remember the common phrase, ‘It takes a community to raise a child.’ I believe it also takes a community to win an award.”
Kirsten Livingstone, Alberta Association of Library Technicians president and awards committee chairperson, felt the award was well deserved for the librarian who has worked for 25 years in the Red Deer public library system mainly with children.
“Laurel’s passion for literacy and reading programs have been displayed in the many projects and initiatives in which she has been a driving force behind,” said Livingstone who was the award presenter.
Grimes started her career as librarian at Westlock Public Library, then was K-12 librarian at Delburne Centralized School before coming to RDPL in 1987.
She was promoted to children’s services co-ordinator in 1995.
“Laurel has provided 25 years of dedicated service to RDPL and our children’s department, and is definitely deserving of this prestigious award,” said library director Dean Frey.