The Georgia Council for Public Libraries recently announced recipients of its annual awards. Among the honorees is LeRoy Childs, the state’s first black public library director.
Other awards include Library of the Year Award which has been awarded to Okefenokee Regional Library System; Librarian of the Year is Stephen Houser, director of Twin Lakes Library System; and Library Champion of the Year is Dr. Gordon Baker, who most recently served as a library trustee and board chair at Henry County Public Library and whose career in libraries spans more than 40 years.
Throughout his career, Childs was active in the formation of state and national library policy.
“This award is a testament to the selfless blood, sweat, tears, racial barriers, tenacity, and determination to honor a higher good that my grandfather did for the library system as a whole, but more specifically his community in times where many of the people he reached could not visit the library and take advantage of the many benefits that it afforded others,” said Kirsten Childs.
He was director of the West Georgia Regional Library System from 1976-1986, having begun his career there in 1951 as the bookmobile librarian before becoming a branch manager from 1951-1967, assistant director from 1967-1974, and deputy director from 1974-1976. Childs served as treasurer of the Georgia Library Association before becoming the first black president elect in 1986. He also served as chairperson of the Georgia Council of Public Libraries. He was appointed by Governor Joe Harris to serve on the Georgia committee for the White House Conference of Libraries.
Childs served tirelessly to improve the reach and capacity of libraries by helping to shape policy. His life was rich with acts of service.
“Mr. Child’s contribution to public libraries and to young library directors can not be underestimated,” said Steve Schaefer, retired director of Uncle Remus Regional Library and 2015 Georgia Public Library Awards winner as Librarian of the Year. “He was a true leader among his fellow directors.”
This year’s winners will be recognized at a ceremony during the Georgia Council for Public Libraries’ annual Public Library Day at the Georgia Capitol at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and at individual ceremonies across the state.
“We are pleased to present the 2019 Georgia Public Library Awards to those who daily champion libraries across the state,” said State Librarian Julie Walker. “Their efforts to show that libraries are the heart of their communities, where people can achieve their goals at any stage in life, have made a meaningful difference to many.”
Nominations for the Georgia Public Library Service-sponsored awards were submitted by public library directors and staff, library supporters, trustees and the general public.
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