The library recently announced its Employee of the Year Award recipients. These awards are special because each award-winner was nominated by their co-workers.
Sue Ryan, branch manager of the Slidell Branch, has worked at the library for almost ten years. After working at the Slidell Branch as a reference librarian, Ryan moved to the Covington Branch as branch manager. Four years later, she brought her management skills back to the Slidell Branch.
Sue was nominated for the Librarian of the Year award because she “is wonderful to work with, always bringing excitement and a smile to work. She builds up her staff with compliments and celebrates a job well done.”
Grace Stark, Part-time Employee of the Year, has worked at the Pearl River Branch since 2009. Stark leads the branch’s book club and handcraft group. She was nominated for the award for her positive attitude and superior customer service.
“I love how our small branch in Pearl River impacts the lives of the people in our community. Some of the best things about my job are getting to know people, hearing their stories and helping them,” said Grace.
Full-time Employee of the Year Seth Mattei has worked at the library for four years at the Slidell, Lacombe and the South Slidell Branches. He is currently studying library information science at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Seth was nominated for the award because “he exemplifies everything a library employee should be. He has taken new staff under his wing and greets every patron with a smile.”
JoAnna Reeves, Rookie of the Year, has been the children’s librarian at the Mandeville Branch for a year. She was nominated for her enthusiasm, joy and her willingness to volunteer for projects like teaching the entire parish to play “We Will Rock You” on the kazoo through video.
“I am very excited to have won the award, but I am also humbled and honored to be recognized by my co-workers. I feel very fortunate to work in a place where my efforts are appreciated and were employees are given the opportunities and support needed to succeed,” said JoAnna.
Congratulations to our Employees of the Year!
