ALTA names Jim Connor and Robert B. Lyons as the 2005 Trustee Citation award winners
Contact: Gretchen Kalwinski
Program Assistant
312-280-2161
For Immediate Release
March 11, 2005
ALTA names Jim Connor and Robert B. Lyons as the 2005 Trustee Citation award winners
CHICAGO - American Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), named Jim Connor and Robert B. Lyons as the 2005 Trustee Citation award winners.
The ALA Trustee Citation, established in 1941 to recognize public library trustees for distinguished service to library development, symbolizes and honors the best contributions and efforts of the estimated 60,000 American citizens who serve on library boards.
Connor is a trustee of Jefferson County Public library in Colorado. Lyons is a trustee of Schaumburg Township District library in Illinois.
Connor has been tireless in his efforts to energize the state trustee organization in Colorado, traveling nearly 10,000 miles throughout the region, to build an advocacy network for libraries. His enthusiasm for working with trustees and library advocates has been evident in all who see him at the ALA midwinter meetings and annual conferences. He has, per William Knott, the Jefferson County librarian in Colorado, created a new spirit of advocacy among public library trustees in the West.
Connor's recent accomplishments include establishing working relationships with his region's state librarians, setting up a Website for the trustees and advocates in his region, and organizing his many community contacts to speak in support of libraries.
"Lyons has been a very active legislative advocate for libraries both on the state and national levels," said Michael Madden, the director of the Schaumburg Township District Library.
"Lyons exemplifies the best traits needed in a public library trustee," said Jean Wilkins, director of the Illinois State Library.
Lyons has served as board president at both the local library and system level. He has worked steadfastly to improve libraries at the local, regional system, and state level and has helped to pass a number of bond and funding referenda over the years, all of which passed by a large margin. He is the 2002 recipient of the Illinois Library Association Trustee Citation award.
The awards will be presented during the Opening General Session of the ALA Annual Meeting in Chicago. During each ALA Annual Meeting, up to two trustees are presented with citations in recognition of distinguished service to library development
