ALTA names Jane Rowland and Patricia O'H. Norman as the 2007 Trustee Citation Award winners
Contact: Dollester Thorn-Hawkins
Program/Event Coordinator
312.280.2161
dthorn@ala.org
For Immediate Release
May 21, 2007
ALTA names Jane Rowland and Patricia O’H. Norman as the 2007 Trustee Citation Award winners
CHICAGO – The Association for Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), named Jane Rowland and Patricia O’H. Norman as the 2007 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.
ALTA member Jane Rowland is one of the two winners of this year’s Trustee Citation Award. Rowland has proven library board leadership ability at the national, state, and local levels. She has served on the ALTA Board of Directors since 2002, and is the immediate past president. On the state level, Rowland has served on the Illinois Library Association, Trustee Forum Executive Board since 1994, serving two years as president. She served on the board of the Suburban Library System from 1995-2002, serving two years as president. She has served on the Calumet City Public Library Board (IL) since 1994 and is the current president.
Rowland has been an outstanding advocate in both time and effort in raising funds for libraries. She made significant contributions to the Calumet City Public Library through her ability to work with legislators. Through her efforts, $180,000 in grants were raised for the library.
"Rowland is the ultimate advocate for public libraries," said Alice Calabreses-Berry, executive director of the Metropolitan Library System. “Rowland’s passion for her job is so infectious and tangible that any who sees her in action becomes as excited as she is about reading and expanding their minds,” said Donne Trotter, Illinois State Senator.
The other winner of this year’s Trustee Citation Award, Patricia O’ H. Norman, is the present chair of the Library Board of Trustees at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC). She also has also served as chair of the ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center capital campaign 2004 & 2005. During her 11-year tenure on the PLCMC board, the library has replaced, expanded or opened 15 library facilities. Because of her leadership and successful planning, the core level of service to the community has grown over 200 percent as demonstrated in attendance, computer usage and operating budget. The ImaginOn PLCMC’s 24th library location, dedicated to the needs of children, teens and their families, saw 320,572 visitors in the first nine months of operation.
With Norman’s support and leadership, PLCMC has won numerous local, state and national awards. As a leading library advocate, she encourages state representatives and senators to continue their support of public libraries. Library Director Charles Brown said, “We are indeed privileged to have Norman as chair of our Board. She works with staff and other board members to further our mission to expand minds, empower individuals, and enrich our community.”
During each ALA Annual Conference, up to two trustees are presented with citations in recognition of distinguished service to library development. The awards are presented at the ALA Opening General Session, and symbolize the best contributions and efforts of volunteers who serve on library boards.