3 garner ILA honors

SANDPOINT — For Ann Nichols, being named Idaho Library Association’s Librarian of the Year for 2018 was not only exciting, she said, but a surprise as well.

"It's kind of the pinnacle of my career," Nichols, director of East Bonner County Library District, said. "It’s a real honor and I appreciate it."

Nichols was one of three library staff members who were honored by ILA this year. Amanda Ruff, information services coordinator for the library, was named paraprofessional of the year; and Suzanne Davis, youth programming and services coordinator, was awarded the ILA scholarship as she is currently attending the University of North Texas in the Masters of Library Information Science program.

Nichols was nominated for Librarian of the Year Award by staff and community members for her leadership and dedication to the the library. Nichols said what makes her “look good,” however, is the library staff.

“I couldn’t do it by myself and they are just amazing,” Nichols said. “We have an excellent staff, so that’s what makes it easy.”

Nichols said she is an advocate of lifelong learning, as she did not start her library career until her children were grown.

“I would hope that everyone would want to keep learning their whole life,” Nichols said. “It’s just so rewarding.”

Her career began in Idaho Falls about 25 years ago, she said, when the local library decided to add Sunday to its hours. She took a part-time position in the reference department, soon moving to full-time. Eventually, Nichols said, she decided it was time to get a degree in library science. She then worked in the library of the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls for a time before coming across the advertisement for a reference position at the East Bonner County Library District.

It was 12 or 13 years ago when she moved to Sandpoint to work at the library, and she has served as director for the past seven years.

“It’s wonderful,” Nichols said. “It’s interesting. Every day is fun, every day is different, and it’s just a really great career.”

“They don’t teach you everything in library science school that you do when you become the director. I never dreamed I would be building buildings, and the garden, and bookmobile … It’s a lot different than what they say in school.”

Books are just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to the library, she said. The library is branching out to the more technological side of things, such as virtual reality and 3D printing classes. Also, with the recent expansion of the library, she said the meeting rooms will make a “big difference.” They have also been upgraded to include new electronics, including large television sets, she said.

In the letters of recommendation, nominating Nichols for the award, the expansion project was a common subject. Fredrick Certano, fundraising chair for the Sandpoint Rotary Club, worked with Nichols during fundraising efforts for the project, generating $30,000 toward the library transformation. Working with Nichols, he said, was “truly a pleasure,” and the library and its leadership is “nothing short of incredible.”

Marcy Timblin, public relations, marketing and community development for the library district, said the expansion project received a lot of recognition, but many people “don’t necessarily see the people who have made the entire library district an industry leader.”

“Having three of our own awarded this honor, with more from our library having been nominated, is really a testament to the sincere dedication our staff has to fulfilling our mission to providing opportunities for discovery, connection, and lifelong learning,” Timblin said. “All of the trustees, staff, and volunteers are so proud of Ann, Amanda, and Suzanne.”

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.