The Georgia Public Library Awards honor the outstanding achievements of public library leaders, staff, and champions. For our 10th annual Library Awards, we celebrate Anna Lyle, director of Forsyth County Public Library; Kristen Timoteo, outreach coordinator and branch manager at  Coweta Public Library System; Howard Holman, Ohoopee Regional Library board trustee; Dr. Linda Most, associate professor at Valdosta State University (posthumously); and to raise awareness of the importance of all our libraries and the vital role they plan in communities, we are honoring all Georgia public libraries as Library of the Year. 

ATLANTA

Georgia Public Library Service is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Georgia Public Library Awards, which honor public libraries and their champions who have made a profound difference in their communities.

“Public libraries are the heart of thriving communities, and they play a vital role in Georgia’s growth, innovation, and excellence,” said Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker. “This year’s honorees demonstrate how our libraries are partners in everything that Georgia does, from strengthening early literacy to building a strong economy.”

Winners are selected from nominations submitted by library patrons, trustees, Friends of Libraries groups, and staff, showcasing the best and brightest who serve in public libraries throughout the state.

Anna Lyle of Forsyth County Public Library is Director of the Year; Kristen Timoteo, outreach coordinator and branch manager at Coweta Public Library System is Library Employee of the Year; Howard Holman, Ohoopee Regional Library trustee is Library Champion of the Year, the late Dr. Linda Most, former associate professor at Valdosta State University, posthumously receives this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. And to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Georgia Public Library Awards, YOUR library – all Georgia’s libraries – are Library of the Year.

Honorees will be celebrated at local ceremonies in early 2025. Contact each library for further information.

Library of the Year

This year, we received a record number of Library of the Year nominations. People across the state responded to our request by sharing how their local library has made a difference in their community. From Augusta to Columbus to Dalton to Tifton, it is clear that each of our 408 libraries has had an impact on Georgians across the state.

As libraries face diverse challenges, Georgians have been vocal about their love and support for libraries. That is why for our 10th anniversary awards, the Library of the Year is -- YOUR Library. All Georgia public libraries will be honored in the coming year with local and statewide celebrations. 

Over the past year, libraries have stepped up in tough times to meet community needs. When Hurricane Helene devastated so many Georgia towns, public library staff read stories in shelters to comfort children, brought books for people of all ages to read, and worked alongside their neighbors to get everyone back on their feet.  

Libraries foster a love of reading for children and teens, but the resources we offer go far beyond books. Many Georgians depend on their local library’s computers and Wi-Fi to apply for jobs, complete homework, or access online services. 

Our libraries also lead the way with Georgia’s youngest readers through engaging early literacy programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, fun activities, and storytimes during the Summer Reading Program and all year round, and PrimeTime, which brings families together through books and a shared meal. As Georgia strives to improve literacy statewide, libraries are essential partners in every community.

All patrons have access to an extensive digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks, online research and tools through GALILEO, local history resources, and so much more.

With support from GPLS and state funding, libraries are creating new spaces and revitalizing existing ones to foster lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration in welcoming, modern environments. As of September 2024, 66 libraries are receiving financial assistance for new facilities or structural repairs, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities effectively.

Here are a few examples from nominations received on how libraries have made a difference in their communities:

• In our small town, the library is the most magical, special place in the world! You are greeted with the friendliest staff, and your children can explore and imagine.
• I have been using the library while I recover from a medical emergency, which left me destitute and homeless. Being able to access the internet indoors is a huge burden lifted from my shoulders.
• Every staff member goes above and beyond to be friendly, courteous, and helpful. I was especially impressed during the pandemic, when the library found inventive ways to be there for patrons, even when unable to be open. 
• Our library has welcoming and friendly staff, as well as excellent programming. They listen to our ideas for programs or activities. The library has an incredible resource room, many storytime options, is fun, safe, and we spend hours there every week. We drive out of our way to go to the library because it's so great.
• The reference librarians are information experts; they make it their business to learn the most efficient ways to find information for the public. The library also has tremendous classes and events.

For all of these reasons and many more, we recognize all of Georgia’s public libraries for their efforts to serve their communities. We will celebrate Georgia public libraries throughout February, which is National Library Lovers' Month, by inviting people to share why they love their library using this online form and encouraging people to ask their local library how they plan to celebrate. 

Library Director of the Year

Anna Lyle, director of Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL), has been named Georgia Public Library Director of the Year. Known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting her community, Lyle has built a foundation of outreach, partnerships, and innovation that has significantly strengthened Forsyth County’s library services.

After serving FCPL for 16 years in human resources and finance management, Lyle was appointed director in 2015. Under her leadership, the library system has emerged as a model of innovation, community engagement, and educational support, providing children and families with exceptional library services and programs.

“Throughout her tenure, Anna has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate challenges with grace and foresight, always putting the needs of our patrons and staff at the forefront,” said Christy Winters, Forsyth County Public Library board chair. “She has led our library system through significant periods of growth, while ensuring that the services we provide remain relevant and accessible to all.”

Lyle has helped FCPL have one of the highest materials circulation per capita among the state’s library systems for more than 10 years and ensures the diverse and evolving needs of patrons are met through proactive engagement with local businesses, nonprofits, and the broader community.

Key initiatives completed under Lyle’s leadership include:

• The expansion and renovation of the Sharon Forks Library,
• The design and construction of the forthcoming Denmark Library,
• The digitization of The Forsyth County News (1916–2019),
• The introduction of a robust World Languages collection, and
• The design and launch of the FCPL bookmobile, which was one of the first modern mobile libraries in the state.

Letters of nomination highlighted Lyle’s dedication to expanding library programs and strengthening a network of partners that enhances the library’s reach and impact.

For example, Lyle fostered a strong partnership with Mentor Me North Georgia, a nonprofit providing community-based mentoring for students in grades K–12. Recognizing an opportunity for greater support, Lyle enabled Mentor Me to expand its Mentoring After School program year-round by providing library space, helping the organization serve an additional 100 students annually.

“Anna is a no-nonsense, practical, hardworking library director who has accomplished great things for her community,” said Lecia Eubanks, Cherokee Regional Library System director. “She rolls up her sleeves, secures funding for construction projects, and ensures they are managed to completion.”

Lyle’s willingness to share knowledge and foster collaboration has inspired peers across Georgia and strengthened the state’s library community.

“As a library director, Anna has been incredibly generous with her time and expertise to her peers and has served as a mentor in our leadership development program to nurture the next generation. Forsyth County Public Library has been so fortunate to have Anna as their trusted leader,” said Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker.

Lyle will retire in January 2025. A local celebration is planned for Jan. 23, 2025, at Cumming Library.  For more information, contact Forsyth County Public Library at communications@ForsythPL.org.

Library Employee of the Year

Kristen Timoteo, community outreach coordinator and manager of the Grantville branch of the Coweta Public Library System, has been awarded Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year. Timoteo is known as a dynamic leader whose passion for literacy, community service, and innovation has helped transform her library into a hub of learning and connection.

“Kristen’s passion for service and her positive energy are contagious to all who have had the opportunity to interact with her,” said Jimmy Bass, director of Coweta Public Library System. “Her ability to make meaningful daily impacts on the variety of people she meets through providing library services never ceases to astound me.”

Timoteo began working at Coweta Public Library System in 2008 as a library assistant. In 2018, she attained her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Alabama and shortly afterward began serving as manager for the system’s Grantville and Senoia Library branches. In 2023, she was assigned to be the system’s community outreach coordinator, while maintaining her role as branch manager of the Grantville branch library.

In 2022, due to complications with lupus, Timoteo became blind. She remained optimistic and immediately took action. She asked IT to install a screen reader on her workstations; enabled the accessibility options on her devices; and enrolled in classes to learn how to navigate the world through counting steps, listening to sounds, and relying on other senses. 

According to her co-workers, Timoteo continued her work and responsibilities with the same dedication and service to patrons. 

“You would not have known about her condition unless she revealed it or if you happened to cross her path as she raced to perform her duties. She proved that a disability is not an excuse to give up or not  to give your all for your passion,” said Kimberly Thom, a library assistant at Coweta County Library System.

According to nominators, Timoteo’s dedication and leadership are evident in the results she helped achieve through her outreach efforts. 

For example, under her coordination, the library went from visiting one elementary school and one daycare in 2023 to 14 elementary schools, three major county-wide events, and four daycare facilities in 2024. Currently, the library’s outreach team coordinates with 19 elementary schools and eight daycare facilities to serve community members where they are and meet literacy needs.

Timoteo is known for her efforts to reach and support children in her community.

“Whether it is participating in a charitable walk, mentoring at various elementary schools, serving on the board of local civic groups, or even partaking in a local food distribution, she will put her all into it,” said Thom. “Her true passion is helping people and is known for her giving heart, patience, kindness, and warm, bright smile.”

Outside of her duties at the library, Timoteo continues to promote literacy throughout Coweta County. She tutors and mentors at-risk children through afterschool programs, providing programming such as storytime, etiquette classes, and more, encouraging learning and activities centered around other cultures. 

For details about a local ceremony, contact Coweta Public Library System.

Library Champion of the Year

Georgia Public Library Champion of the Year is Howard Holman, vice chairman of the Ohoopee Regional Library System board, who was essential in building local support for the library system’s renovation projects and fostering a community of library advocates.

“He takes an interest in libraries all over the world, rejoicing at their successes and supporting their causes by educating himself and writing legislators in support of the need for public libraries,” said Cameron Asbell, director of Ohoopee Regional Library System. “His work has supported many community projects locally that enrich the people’s lives.”

In 2020, the library system struggled to operate on a budget that had not increased in 20 years. At the Vidalia branch, the roof leaked, turning on the air conditioning unit from 1968 was a safety risk, and the library did not have enough space to properly accommodate patrons. 

According to Asbell, it was becoming increasingly difficult to operate the library’s seven different branches across four counties. As a result, Asbell worked toward building support for much-needed renovations.

During that time, Asbell met Holman while he was mowing the library’s lawn, which he did without being asked, and invited him to join the library’s board of trustees. Holman would help build the local support needed to fund the library system’s proposed renovation projects.

Holman, a former Vidalia Citizen of the Year, had previously helped build support for the construction of a local hospital and cancer center, and the establishment of the local Boys and Girls Club. He also held officer positions in several local civic clubs.

When Holman joined the board, the library was in talks to renovate its Vidalia branch, which also housed the system’s regional headquarters. The project was projected to begin in 3-4 years, but Holman recommended that the renovation begin sooner. 

Library staff appreciated his enthusiasm but were unsure if the project could begin any earlier. 

During his first year on the library board, Holman recruited new board members who were active and influential in the community, including former city council members, journalists, and fundraisers. With the support he helped to build, the project timeline moved up to 18 months and had over $750,000 in donations pledged. 

According to nominators, Holman’s enthusiasm had spread not only to the board but to the broader community.

“He actively encourages community members and businesses to become members of our Friends of the Libraries organization. He participates in the improvement of our buildings, working with all parties involved in any renovation projects,” said Marlene Tomlin, a member of the library’s friends group. “He is involved in every aspect of making our libraries a productive entity in our community.”

“He sees no task too big. He also sees no task others may view as beneath them,” said State Senator Blake Tillery. “He’s one of a kind and irreplaceable, and someone you want in your corner. He did this all while continuing to personally cut the grass and maintain the grounds at the library!”

For details about a local ceremony, contact Ohoopee Regional Library System at (912) 537-9283.

Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Linda Most has been honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions to Georgia’s library community.

As a professor and chair of the Valdosta State University’s Master of Library and Information Science program, Dr. Most played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of library professionals. 

Known for her deep care and commitment to her students, she was always available to provide wise counsel and expert guidance.

“Her impact on the Valdosta State University and Georgia library communities are immeasurable, and her legacy in advocacy and education will endure. She was passionate about librarianship in Georgia, and she worked tirelessly to advance our profession and to nurture students,” said Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker.

Dr. Most also served as long-time chair of the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians as a dignified, thoughtful, and dedicated leader who ensured that every question was carefully considered and every applicant was fairly treated. 

“Countless students have credited her with their success, benefitting from her mentorship and encouragement throughout their academic and professional journeys,” said Walker. 

She also was a trustee on the South Georgia Regional Library board, providing first-hand experience and knowledge of public library policies and procedures. 

During her tenure on the board, she was involved in several projects and worked with the library director, the county, the city, and the community to grow community support and acquire a building to support library expansion plans. 

This year’s Lifetime Achievement award honors Dr. Most’s incredible legacy.

Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy, and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia Public Library Service is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. 

Learn more about our annual library awards at www.georgialibraries.org/gpla.

LIBRARY ANNOUNCES SOLE FINALIST FOR DIRECTOR POSITION 

CUMMING, Georgia (October 16, 2024) – The Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees has selected Adrianne Junius as the sole finalist for the Library Director position. 

The Board will vote to make an official appointment of the new Director at a called Library Board meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cumming Library located at 585 Dahlonega Street in Cumming. 

Junius has served as the Deputy Director of the Hall County Library System since 2019 and has a total of 15 years in library administration, including budget stewardship, operational efficiency, collection development, and construction management. She is a resident of Forsyth County and holds a master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. 

“Our goal was to find a dynamic library leader with a proven track record who would best serve Forsyth County residents. Adrianne’s extensive experience in library administration combined with her deep commitment to community engagement and staff development makes her the ideal candidate for us,” said FCPL Board Chair Christy Winters. 

Junius will replace retiring FCPL Director Anna Lyle in January 2025. Lyle was appointed Director in 2015 by the Library Board of Trustees after serving 16 years in human resources and finance management at FCPL. Lyle is the second director in the Library’s history, following Jon McDaniel, who served as Director from 1996 to 2015.