Congratulations, Linda Allen!

Pasco County Library’s Director Linda Allen was named one of 10 librarians recognized for service to their communities as winners of the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award. Ms. Allen was chosen from among 3,200 nominees nationwide. Each of the 10 award winners will be honored at a ceremony and reception in New York at TheTimesCenter, hosted by The New York Times. 

“Librarians are even more important to their communities in this digital age,” said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York.  “They are the people many turn to for help in navigating the complex and information-rich world of the web where the quality of the research and reports is not always clear.”

“The New York Times is proud to collaborate with the American Library Association and Carnegie Corporation of New York in recognizing the role of librarians in society,” said Janet L. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of The New York Times Company.  “Literacy and public access to knowledge are critical to our democracy and the work of these librarians quite simply, enriches us all.”

“This award honors the significant relationship between library users and librarians.  It also recognizes these 10 librarians for the notable impact they have on the lives of the people they serve and on their communities,” said American Library Association (ALA) President Jim Rettig.

It’s been a banner year for your Pasco County Library System. Earlier this year, the Library System won Library of the Year from the Florida Library Association. Both awards recognized the Pasco County Library System, under the direction of Ms. Allen, for its excellence and innovation in programming, such as Pasco County’s original Battle of the Bands; E-government services; and its commitment to enriching the lives of all citizens of Pasco County. The Library System became one of only two libraries in the State to offer two Adaptive Toy Collections, especially for physically-challenged children, donated through the Friends of the Library. In addition, the Library System was congratulated on its award winning staff members, exceptional quality marketing materials, and excellent ratings by the public. The library is a leader in E-Government services and generously shares information and methods with other libraries. Library programs are significantly supported by donations through the Friends of the Library and by donations of time from staff and volunteers.