Downers Grove Public Library Announces: Librarian Sharon Hrycewicz Recognized by ILA

Well known (and loved!) children's librarian Sharon Hrycewicz was recently awarded the 2016 Davis Cup Award by the Illinois Library Association (ILA) Youth Services Forum.

The annual Davis Cup Award honors Marion Davis and her service to children at the Des Plaines Public Library and beyond. Davis was a storyteller extraordinaire and often served as a mentor to area librarians. The award, sponsored by ABDO Publishing Company, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in library services for kids.

Sharon Hrycewicz has done just that. Reference and Technology Coordinator at the Downers Grove Public Library for 20 years, Sharon was an early adopter of computer and online technologies. Her important work in this area continues.

Former Children's Services Manager Sara Pemberton nominated Sharon for several reasons including an ability to "share her enthusiasm for learning about and experimenting with new technologies. Her enthusiasm is infectious!”

At a time when new devices are being introduced, apps are updated daily, and coding knowledge is becoming the norm, enthusiasm like Sharon's is essential in the public library. "There's not always time for all staff to learn every new thing when it comes out," Sharon says. "So I take the time. I learn it. And I hope it shows others that if I can do it, they can too."

Sharon may not be science-minded, but she enjoys the challenge of figuring out various gadgets. More importantly, she aims to see lightbulbs go off in the minds of young library visitors. "I set a girl up with Bee-Bots, explained the goal, and let her try. Shortly after, I heard her yell "I did it!" and I realized she might not have had that opportunity for success if I hadn't introduced her to that tool. That's really cool, really special."

Sharon participated on the ILEAD USA team where she worked on the Robot Test Kitchen Project. Her team tested simple robotics, which played a vital role in expanding DGPL's STEM collection and programming. Bloxels, Bee-Bots, Ozobot, and Cubelets are now part of the library's repertoire. "Right now I am loving Bloxels," Sharon says about the game creation platform that blends art, storytelling, and video design. "I made a game! With minions! And bananas!" she excitedly explains.

Sharon is most proud of her involvement in the library's partnership with Downers Grove Grade School District 58. Sharon and her team regularly visit local schools with these gadgets in hand. "We let the kids, teachers, and parents learn these new skills in a fun, informal way. It's perfect for the public library," a place Sharon best describes as "where the community learns."

Additionally, Sharon has helped initiate an eBook lending program that provides equal access to both DGPL's and District 58's 3M Cloud Library collections. This smart, supplemental approach gives many more students access to many more eBooks. A win-win for all.

After 20 years at Downers Grove Public Library, Sharon still enjoys coming here each day. "My first storytime kids are in college now. It's very satisfying to see how they've grown and who they've become. Their families are a part of my life." She concludes simply, "It's great. It's all great."The Davis Cup Award will be formally presented at ILA's annual conference on October 18, and Sharon will be recognized at the Youth Services Author Breakfast on October 19.

To send your own congratulatory note to Sharon Hrycewicz, email shrycewicz@dglibrary.org.