Library Champions Archive
| About the Champion | Location | Date Awarded | |
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David NewyearManager of Library Operations II"David Newyear worked at the Edmond Branch as our Assistant Manager of Library Operations for a few months recently and then he moved on to the Belle Isle Branch as the Manager of Library Operations. I appreciated his unruffled manner. Consistently calm, cool and collected. Since he was new to the Metropolitan Library System, he was a hands-on manager, wanting to know how we operated on a day-to-day basis. He stepped in to help when he saw the need. So even though I didn't get to work with him very long, he left a positive impression with me. His leadership skills were recognized and rewarded when he left Edmond to become branch manager at Belle Isle. He's the second assistant manager to leave us to move on to greater things. Maybe we'll get to keep the next one!" - Dagmar Peery |
Belle Isle Library | 2014/09/25 |
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Dagmar PeeryLibrary Aide"Dagmar is one of the only people I know who is brave enough to spend all of her evenings in the kids' section of the Edmond Library, which looks like a slow-motion explosion at the best of times. She straightens and shelves all the horrible skinny books, covers the desk while you're off looking for ten Easy books about earthworms, and does it all with a cheery (and only slightly crazed) smile. She's a Library Champion and a great person as well." - Todd Podzemny |
Edmond Library | 2014/09/28 |
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Todd PodzemnyManager of Library Operations"If you've been around Todd for more than a minute, you'll realize "there's something about this guy." Not in a "kicked by a mule" kind of way but in a "does this guy ever provide anything less than great customer service to internal and external customers at all times?!?" kind of way. And I expect him to act like any good champion and tote this trophy to all the bars around town, which in Choctaw, I think, is a total of 4. Todd, may your reign as MLS Champion be a glorious one. It's certainly well-deserved." - Tim Spindle |
Choctaw Library | 2014/09/04 |
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Tim SpindleVirtual Librarian"Tim has a great understanding of our resources and technologies, and he is willing to go the extra mile to serve our customers. I really appreciate ALL of the hard work he has put in to update our website & virtual services, especially since I'm a big online customer myself! Tim makes MLS a better place and he's just the kind of librarian you'd want to encounter virtually or in person: knowledgeable, forward-looking, professional, and thorough. (His sense of humor also keeps you laughing!)" - Meaghan Hunt Wilson |
Planning Services | 2014/08/28 |
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Meaghan Hunt-WilsonLibrarian"Meaghan's enthusiasm for libraries, her encouraging attitude, her constructive ideas, and her dedication in researching her job to better the advice and services she offers to her teen customers are the main reasons I think she deserves to be noticed. She also usually really likes our artwork, which is a big plus. |
Edmond Library | 2014/08/21 |
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Chris LarwigGraphic Designer/Video Editor"Chris is a great co-worker to have. No matter what is going on, how busy work is, how crazed he feels, he always is ready and willing to help anybody. As a PCS, Chris was always helping out with every aspect of working at the library, I never heard him utter the words “It’s not my job”. Chris also has an amazingly creative brain, one I’m sure scientists will INSIST to study. Chris has so many wonderful talents that he shares with MLS. Chris is not just an MLS Champion, but an overall great person to be around. " - Mary Sholly |
Marketing & Communications | 2014/08/14 |
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Mary ShollyConference Services Technician"Mary has the passion for libraries of a young Marian Rock, the wisdom of a particularly wise owl, and the enthusiasm of a soccer announcer calling a game-winning goal. Mary is a true library champio-o-o-o-o--O-O-O-O-O-O-O-N!!!" - Chris Carroll |
Guest Services | 2014/08/07 |
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Chris CarrollDevelopment Coordinator"Chris is always so friendly. He's truly thoughtful and has great ideas. If you talk to him for more than 5 minutes, you'll also realize how smart and crazy funny he is. Chris is a real Library Champion!" - Emily Williams |
Development/Volunteer Services | 2014/07/31 |
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Emily WilliamsYoung Adult Services Coordinator"Emily does an outstanding job providing excellent opportunities for young adults and teens each year with excellent options for summer programs, Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week, etc. and handling many details of the Summer Reading program each year! Thanks for all your hard work!" - LaVetta Dent |
Outreach and Engagement Services | 2014/07/24 |
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LaVetta DentManager of Library Operations"LaVetta listens, cares and supports her co-workers, and always has such great enthusiasm for the library. She's fun and willing to try new things. Just overall a wonderful person to work with." - Shanelle Jackson |
Almonte Library | 2014/07/10 |
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Shanelle JacksonCirculation Clerk"She worked briefly at the DN Library a couple of years ago. During the April DN library closing, I worked at the Village library. She was wonderful to work with and has a great sense of humor; plus she does her job very well." - Tom Gallagher |
Village Library | 2014/07/03 |
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Tom GallagherLibrary Aide"As I reflected on the “identifying” the next champion, I felt it was a significant challenge that should not to be taken lightly. (I did cheat a little and used our staff directory.) And while there are dozens that I wish I could recognize, I keyed in on Tom. Tom, with his never failing positive attitude, is always there, working hard doing a hard job. A job that must happen day in & day out if we are to make a difference in the lives of those we all serve. THANK YOU TOM. We couldn’t do without you." - Todd Olberding |
Downtown Library | 2014/06/26 |
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Todd OlberdingDirector of Construction Management"Once we've decided to grow as a library system, Todd is one of the key people that take it to task. His office was next door to mine for a while so I've seen first-hand how tirelessly he works and how much he cares about MLS and its facilities. Because of that, he's an excellent advocate for our library. He's also insightful and intelligent. He speaks just as easily about life or society as he does about construction projects." - Aaron Bluitt |
Construction Management | 2014/06/19 |
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Aaron BluittAssistant Director of Library Operations"Aaron is a great supervisor! He cares about everyone's well being. He keeps us informed of all library happenings." - Dee McDaniel |
Guest Services | 2014/06/12 |
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Dee McDanielExtension Specialist"Dee has worked at the library for a number of years. She showed me how important it was to build relationships with the customers, and made my very first day working at the Library very memorable. I've learned a lot from her, and am grateful for that. Her adventurous spirit and spontaneous creativity is an asset to MLS." Oscara Koszara |
Harrah Library | 2014/06/05 |
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Oscara KoszaraReceiving Technician"Anyone who knows Cara knows that she is AWSOME! She is a great MLS library supporter, taking part in activities such as the Fun Walk, booksale, & more. She has an upbeat attitude that can be contagious!" - Jo Nita White |
Collection Processing | 2014/05/29 |
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Jo Nita WhiteExtension Specialist"JoNita White has seen many changes throughout her career at the Harrah Library. She has gone from a library bookmobile to a store front to a stand-alone library. JoNita loves her customers and her community. She is committed to serving them in the best way possible. Thank you JoNita for being a dedicated library employee." - Dana Morrow |
Harrah Library | 2014/05/22 |
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Dana MorrowDirector of Outreach Services"Dana Morrow is the persona supreme of Outreach She develops and supports her staff in every way and has brought Our Library System to the whole community Over her career she championed 123 Play with Me, Noon Tunes, Outreach Programs to nursing homes, Children’s programs of all kind and an assortment of international fare from Melody of China to Ballet Flamenco Espanol Follkorico Dance to RichterUzer in concert. Likewise she has successfully helped with Summer Reading and the Former Winter Readfest and brought the Neighborhood Arts to our libraries. Thank you for making “Our World” so much better!" - Jeffery Mullins & John Rahhal |
Outreach and Engagement Services | 2014/05/15 |
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Jeffery Mullins and John RahhalAccounts Payable Technician & Senior Accountant"John and Jeffery exemplify quality internal customer service. While serving on the PIE Committee, I had the pleasure of "doing business" with these two awesome people when working on the redesign of the 330 RFP. John and Jeffery never said "No" -- they said, "Let's see how we can do it!" Even though it meant a lot more work for them at the beginning, they were happy to help make data and information gathering more functional and efficient. All of us in the library system have benefitted from their willingness to change and improve tools we use all the time. This, along with their pleasant and positive personalities, is what makes them "co-champions" in my eyes." - Jana Hausburg |
Business Office | 2014/05/08 |
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Jana HausburgManager of Library Operations"Jana is by far one of the awesomest people I know. She is warm, caring, and so energetic! For as long as I've known her, she's been a great role-model and leader. She's an expert in creativity and thinking outside of the box. She's supportive of her coworkers and everyone around her and has made a point to reach out to her library's community. Some of my favorite MLS memories include Jana and her bubbly, fun spirit! Thanks for being such a great library champion, Jana!!" - Brittany Barber |
Capitol Hill Library | 2014/05/01 |
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Brittany BarberCirculation Clerk"Brittany is poised, professional, competent and caring. She has served as Staff Association president and worked the Service Center, where Materials Selection always appreciated her hard work behind the scenes. I have watched her strive in not only to get the job done, but to prepare herself to do even more. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize her as a Library Champion!" - Lisa Coker |
Choctaw Library | 2014/04/24 |
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Lisa CokerMaterials Selection Technician"Lisa Coker is my role model in the “always maintaining a positive attitude” department. She is a cheerful ray of sunshine in Materials Selection and is an excellent example of professionalism. I have never heard Lisa take on a negative attitude and always has something positive to say about everyone. Additionally, Lisa is consistent and reliable in her role as a Materials Selection Technician and works hard to make sure customers’ requests are processed efficiently and that orders are entered accurately. She is flexible when meeting deadlines at the end of the year crunch and is always willing to help her coworkers. Finally, Lisa’s love and enthusiasm for libraries is just one more reason why she is my library champion!" - Julia McConnell |
Collection Development | 2014/04/17 |
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Julie McConnellLibrarianJulia
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Northwest Library | 2014/04/10 |
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Buddy JohnsonOklahoma Collection Coordinator"I think Buddy is a library champion because he is always friendly and positive to customers of all kinds both internal and external. He greets everyone with a smile and a willingness to help. Every time I get an unusual request or question, I refer them to Buddy because I can count on him to find an answer. And everyone enjoys the wonderful stories about Oklahoma history that he writes for our magazine." - Donna Morris |
Downtown Library | 2014/04/03 |
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Donna MorrisExecutive Director"Donna is a true leader. She inspires me every day to work harder. Ever since I've known Donna, she has made it a priority to expanding our services and improve our library locations. She was instrumental in the building of the Northwest Library, the renovations of Ralph Ellison & Southern Oaks, and the opening of the Almonte Library. Donna is truly a hard worker, as is evident by the growth of our system. She is my champion." - Dave Mack |
Administration | 2014/03/27 |
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Dave MackMaintenance Technician II"Dave is a library champion because he is a hardworking and caring person. He is always there to take care of us with a friendly, welcoming smile on his face. I appreciate the countless times that he has lent a hand when my arms are full or I have just been too short to reach something. And have also enjoyed the many times that he has brought in enough pizza to share with other staff." - Kristin Williamson |
Facilities Maintenance | 2014/03/20 |
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Kristin WilliamsonChildren's Services Coordinator"Kristin is a fantastic and creative children’s librarian who has recently transitioned beautifully into the Children’s Services Coordinator position. She’s a passionate advocate of children, early literacy, and STEAM education in our local communities. Kristin goes out of her way to offer excellent support and encouragement to both internal and external customers, all with her characteristic enthusiasm and joy." - Meghan Attalla |
Outreach and Engagement Services | 2014/03/13 |
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Meghan AttallaLibrarian"Meghan is intelligent, hard working, thoughtful, and fun. She carries all these qualities and skills into her job as a Children's Librarian. I look forward to the programs she plans as they are always creative, educational, and the kids enjoy them so much. One of my favorite memories is from when we planned the Centennial Tea program together. We had a great time decorating and carrying out the program. Plus, it had tea which is Meghan's favorite!"- Taryn Kingery |
Ralph Ellison Library | 2014/03/06 |
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Taryn KingeryLibrarian"Taryn always has a great attitude. Her attitude rubs off on everyone around her and makes for a great work environment. Teens tend to gravitate toward her, which makes her an awesome YA Librarian." - Rena Gibson |
Almonte Library | 2014/02/27 |
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Rena GibsonCirculation Clerk"Rena always has a smile in her voice when you call and is willing to go the extra mile to help our customers. I have watched Rena from the time she has come into the system and she continues to be willing to grow and change as the system changes." - Randy Wayland |
Ralph Ellison Library | 2014/02/20 |
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Randy WaylandManager of Library Operations"I picked Mr. Wayland because he is even-tempered, patient and calm under pressure...not to mention just a friendly person. Randy has years of experience in the library system and is open to sharing his knowledge with other people. I think the library is better because of him and I am glad to know him." - Russell Pierce |
Southern Oaks Library | 2014/02/13 |
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Russell PierceMaintenance Technician II"Russell is a library champion because he not only is an expert at his job, but he has a cheerful and helpful attitude to everyone he meets. He is able to stay on top of all our maintenance needs and never complains. It is always a pleasure when he comes to our site. He is a major asset to the Metro Library community." - Diane Sharp |
Facilities Maintenance | 2014/02/06 |
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Diane SharpLibrary Aide"Diane demonstrates every day that someone who works part time can have a full time impact of positivity, can-do attitude and boundless energy! She looks for ways to contribute and lead, whether that's serving as a Heartwalk Team Captain for Edmond or welcoming a customer who needs assistance. Diane is a caring, thoughtful, and quietly enthusiastic person and she is definitely a Library Champion." - Heidi Port |
Edmond Library | 2014/01/30 |
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Heidi PortVolunteer Coordinator"It never ceases to amaze me how Heidi expends so much time and energy coordinating all the Volunteer activities. Her light-up-the-room smile, bubbly personality and friendliness really make for a great experience. She knows practically everyone by name and if she doesn't know you she takes the time to introduce herself and ask who you are. She is always ready and willing to go the extra mile. Many thanks to Library Champion Heidi!" - Crystal Suppes |
Development/Volunteer Services | 2014/01/23 |
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Crystal SuppesCirculation Clerk"Often the first person you see when entering the Midwest City Library is Crystal Suppes. Crystal's pleasant smile, happy spirit, and customer service dedication set the tone for a positive experience. Her sweet and gentle nature prevails even in the face of difficult interactions as she remains calm and finds solutions. She is also one of the most hard-working, dependable, and professional people I know." - Linda Jameson |
Midwest City Library | 2014/01/16 |
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Linda JamesonCirculation Clerk"Having worked on numerous occasions with Linda over the years, I know how dedicated she is to MLS's customers. She has worked in circulation at Del City for many years, and I know she has a very loyal customer base there. She knows what her customers like, and she will make sure to keep them informed of when new books by their favorite authors are coming out. For many years, she has been teaching ILS classes for new employees and passing along valuable knowledge she accumulated during her years at the circ desk. As long as I have know her (and I am talking about quite a number of years), she has always been a hard worker and very dependable. She is a true Library Champion! Congratulations, Linda!" - Heidi Johnson |
Del City Library | 2014/01/09 |
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Heidi JohnsonTechnical Processing Manager"Heidi is welcoming, hard working and enthusiastic about our library system. She always greets you with a smile and kind word. Often, when I visit the Service Center, I find Heidi at a desk on the floor processing books. She's enthusiastic about her work and proud of the job the Technical Processing Department does getting materials to our Customers promptly. Thank you Heidi for the countless things you do to keep the books moving. You are my Library Champion!" - Kelley Hoffman |
Collection Processing | 2013/12/29 |
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Kelley HoffmanBenefits Manager"Kelley is such an awesome benefits manager. She is truly a star who really extends her heart into taking care of our benefits needs. Her dedication to ensure greatness is above and beyond her call of duties in that she has spent much of her time encouraging me and making certain that my family and I are doing well. She helped me so much during my grieving process after the passing of my son and has played such an important role during my husband's illness and is still such a powerhouse after his passing. Kelley you are such an inspirational woman and I am so grateful to you for always being my listening ear, advocate and most of all for showing your kindness during such difficult times. You are my hero. I'm turning this beautiful torch (trophy) over to you because you deserve it. You are truly a MLS Library Champion." - Nita Normore |
Human Resources | 2013/12/19 |
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Nita NormoreAdministrative Specialist"Nita is a Library Champion. She is unfailingly supportive and patient. Any time I have spoken with Nita, she always starts with, "How are you today?" Even when she calls trying to locate mysteriously missing packing slips, she maintains a professional and positive attitude. Thank you Nita for your support and for all the myriad little details, like scheduling relief staff, you handle behind the scenes to help make it possible for our libraries to operate." - Carol Roberts Nita also created the offical dance for Library Champions. Click here to view. |
Guest Services | 2013/12/12 |
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Carol RobertsAssociate Librarian"Miss Carol has a positive impact on the Choctaw Library and the surrounding community every day. She is the sweetest and most patient person that I know and she is universally loved by all who know her. Her children's programs are creative and fun and she forms a personal bond with the families that attend them. Thank you for being you Miss Carol. You are a true MLS Champion!" - Kevin Sendall |
Choctaw Library | 2013/12/08 |
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Kevin SendallExtension Specialist"Kevin is one of the most positive individuals I've ever met. If you've ever had a conversation with Kevin, you can always count on leaving happy, smiling and most likely laughing. Kevin not only exemplifies excellent customer service, but serves as a beacon of friendliness, competence, and encouragement. Kevin works hard for our customers and our staff, which makes him a true MLS champion." - Kellie Delaney |
Guest Services | 2013/12/01 |
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Kellie DelaneyManager of Web Development & Support"Kellie is a great Manager of Web Services. Not only does she work on the library's web page and Intranet, she also answers the Webmaster e-mail and having been the person that did that prior to Kellie, I know how much work that really is. You get e-mails from customers 24x7, and I know with all of the eMedia, Zinio, and Freegal products there are tons of questions. Kellie was also wonderful in helping with the ILS Demos, helping work on the questions for the surveys and seeing that we had everything needed during the sessions. Thanks Kellie for being such a great team player!" - Anne Fischer |
Planning Services | 2013/11/21 |
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Anne FischerDeputy Executive Director of Information Technology"Many do not know the commitment that Anne makes to our library system. While many of us are asleep in our beds, Anne is busy working. On many occasions, I've witnessed Anne give of her time and effort to help make our organization great. For example, this summer when we had major flooding with no electricity and no air conditioning, we all tried hard to keep our IT systems cool. Maintenance staff left at midnight, but not Anne, as she felt her job wasn't finished. She stayed and had to walk up and down the stairs all night long to monitor the situation - ALL for the benefit of our internal and external customers. It's such an honor to know and work with Anne - she is a true champion." - Roberto Soto |
Information Technology | 2013/11/14 |
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Roberto SotoAssistant Manager of Facilities Maintenance"Roberto has all of the assets of a real life champion. He's always there when you need him, he lifts up others who are on the road with him, he always has a positive attitude, he goes above and beyond, works hard, and is thoughtful towards others around him and is a great role model and mentor. A champion is someone who takes care of business, and someone you can always count on. Roberto is a champion! With him on our side, we all win!" - Jennifer Jones |
Facilities Maintenance | 2013/11/07 |
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Jennifer JonesAssociate Librarian"Jennifer Jones provides an extraordinary array of programs for the children at the Capitol Hill Library. Safari After School Homework Help is an especially good model, offering a valuable and needed service to the community. Jennifer's hard work and creative efforts definitely qualify her as an MLS Champion!" - Daniel Fields |
Capitol Hill Library | 2013/10/27 |
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Daniel FieldsLibrarian"Daniel is an incredible asset to our library system in that he gives his all in his children's program. He is patient, creative, and you should hear him sing with and for, the kids, PRICELESS!! He even plants the flowers in the outside beds so that he can use them in his programs or just for everyone to enjoy. Daniel goes above and beyond each and every day." - Phyllis Eagle |
Bethany Library | 2013/10/20 |
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Phyllis EagleCirculation ClerkPhyllis is the first ever recipient of the Library Champion trophy! She won this award for her idea for the 2014 staff theme: Champions! Let's celebrate Phyllis and her great accomplishment!! |
Belle Isle Library | 2013/10/13 |
" - Chris Larwig