Recognition as a Library Leader: In 2003, the Library created an award to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Batavia Public Library District as “Library Leaders.” The quiet reading room in the apse was named the Library Leaders Reading Room and a display case was installed at the entrance to the room to house the Book of Library Leaders.
Selection Process and Award: According to Board policy, “The recipient will be selected by the Library Leader Committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.” Further, “The recipient will be honored by resolution of the Board of Trustees.”
Library Leader nomination form
Committee: By consensus of the Board of Library Trustees at its regular meeting on Tuesday, 20 March 2012, the responsibility for the “Recognition as a Library Leader” project was assigned to the Standing Committee on Outreach.
To date, six individuals and one couple were recognized as a Library Leader; the award was not presented in ten (10) of the past 17 years, as follows:
2003: Lorraine M. Ramus — member, officer, Board of Library Trustees (1978–2001); involved in three major building projects (1981; 1983; 2002)
2005: no award
2006: William J. Wood (awarded posthumously) — community liaison (as City Historian); member, Board of Library Trustees (November 1983–1991; January 1996–1997)
2010: no award
2013: Barbara A. Palmer and Roger G. Palmer — members, officer (Barbara), Friends of the Batavia Public Library; longtime organizers and innovators, Book Sale; spearheaded effort to create FriendSpace; Library volunteer (Barbara)
2015: Susan S. Russo — member, officer, Board of Library Trustees (September 1996–2003); involved in two successful referendum campaigns (1998; 2002); president during construction project; founding president, Batavia Public Library Foundation
Resolution Recognizing and Honoring Susan S. Russo as a Library Leader
2018: no award
