Thomas Ford Library's Got a Winner!

It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows her that Heather Booth is a winner, but now it’s official! Check out this press release!

Heather Booth of the Thomas Ford Memorial Library is the 2015 recipient of the Illinois Library Association’s Young Adult Librarian of the Year Award. The award is sponsored by Sourcebooks and honors the positive impact Sharon Ball had on Illinois librarians and teens.

The award, presented by ILA and the Young Adult Services Forum, recognizes an Illinois Young Adult Librarian who is making an outstanding contribution in library services to young adults in her or his community by creating and implementing library programs and services that promote a love of literature and/or instill positive feelings about libraries.

Heather is an active advocate for teens, and works to present forward-thinking workshops and events, including Coding Club, Career Conversations, and technology workshops utilizing everything from Little Bits to Legos. She works closely with her teen advisory group to plan programs and events.

Heather blogs both at the Teen Librarian Toolbox and at Robot Test Kitchen, of which she is a founding member. Heather has co-written two books on Teen Services, including her most recent title, The Whole Library Handbook: Teen Services. She also has been hired by other libraries to do instruction on in-service days. “Heather is an inspiring Teen Librarian who embodies the essence of library service to young adults,” stated Michelle Kilty, Children’s Services Coordinator at Aurora Public Library. Says Sharon Hrycewicz, Children’s Reference & Technology Coordinator at Downers Grove Public Library, “Heather has a passion for teenagers. Her passion to give teenagers great library experiences doesn’t end at the doors of her library. She is passionate about helping other librarians work with teens in libraries across Illinois (and beyond).”

The Young Adult Librarian of the Year Award will be presented at the Awards Gala held on Friday evening, October 23rd, during the 2015 Illinois Library Conference in Peoria.