PA Library Association Recognizes Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver as 2023 Elected Official of the Year
Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver awarded PaLA 2023 Elected Official
Mechanicsburg, PA (September 26, 2023) - Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community members, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the PaLA Elected Official of the Year Award was presented to Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver.
"Libraries are much more than a place to do research or get a book anymore. They've become, I think, the backbone of our communities and they still offer that education, that research component, but they offer so much more today with socialization programs, emotional wellbeing, and they're such an integral part of our communities."
That was the sentiment shared by Senator Schlegel Culver during the 2023 Senate Appropriations Hearing with the Department of Education. We have heard her make similar statements in previous years as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. The Senator has repeatedly demonstrated a robust understanding of the complex role that libraries play in their communities and the lives of their users.
Senator Culver's support for libraries throughout the Commonwealth, and more specifically for those in her home district, is paramount. As a House member she sponsored a citation recognizing April 5, 2022, as National Library Workers Day and the week of April 3-9, 2022, as National Library Week in Pennsylvania. She also issued a citation recognizing the Degenstein Community Library's 75th Anniversary in 2012.
She has been active in promoting local libraries in her district and encouraging constituents to take advantage of these great local resources and available programs. She has posted articles promoting libraries in her weekly eblasts and Facebook posts. In 2022, she stopped by each library in her House district during National Library Week to highlight the libraries' activities and shared her visits with the staff and patrons on social media.
Senator Culver is actively involved in the community and continually attends municipal and regional events. While at these activities, she approaches Northumberland County library directors for their feedback and insight. Since Northumberland County does not financially support the seven public libraries in the county, she is fully aware of each library's struggle to fundraise. Senator Culver recognizes the importance of local investment in libraries and has spoken to the county commissioners on several occasions.
"The Pennsylvania Library Association is forever grateful to Senator Culver for all of her support over the years." said Melissa A. Rowse, 2023 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association. "Serving on the appropriations committee at both the house and senate levels, Senator Culver has proven to be a champion of libraries. Being part of Senator Culver's district, I have experienced first-hand her commitment to libraries. We cannot thank Senator Culver enough for all of her support. Congratulations to Senator Culver on her well-deserved award."
A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend a public virtual meeting held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at which they were recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.
"The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members," said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. "These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staffs and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all of our 2023 winners."
Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.
For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org.
