MACON, GA.—January 12, 2017—Jennifer Lautzenheiser was presented with the Georgia’s Public Librarian of the Year award by the Georgia Public Library Service on Jan 12 at Washington Memorial Library.
Representatives including State Librarian, Julie Walker, and Macon- Bibb Commissioner Gary Bechtel gave remarks on Lautzenheiser and her commitment to the betterment of the community and public libraries.
Bechtel, whose father served many years on the library board, and grew up coming to Washington Memorial Library for the children’s services, spoke of Lautzenheiser’s character, saying the honor was well deserved.
“She’s always willing to work with our staff members and our commissioners to try to grow the library, to try to grow the opportunities for our children, for our families,” Bechtel said.
State Librarian Walker spoke of Jennifer’s leadership qualities and generous support to her colleagues throughout the state as well as the staff in the Middle Georgia Regional Library system.
“She’s really a shining example of all that’s best in our profession.” Walker said. “She’s the first to offer encouragement, acknowledgment, and congratulations and give credit to those around her.”
Since beginning her role as director of Middle Georgia Regional Library two years ago , Jennifer has worked with serval community groups to bring new opportunities and resources to the community through the library. She worked alongside her team to accomplish goals that sometimes seemed hard to reach.
Walker said there were many things she admired about Lautzenheiser including her willingness to make difficult decisions, diligently do her homework, consult all the appropriate parties, an then make a call.
Walker presented Lautzenheiser with a glass plaque and check for five hundred dollars. In her remarks Lautzenheiser expressed her gratefulness for being chosen to receive the award and recognition and the need to give credit to everyone from the librarians in the system’s branches to the administrative team for their efforts.
Read More
