Theresa Quiner, director of the Kuskokwim Consortium Library in Bethel, has been recognized for her exceptional community service. She is a recipient of the American Library Association’s I Love My Librarian award, which honors librarians who have made a significant impact in their communities. Quiner was chosen from over 1,300 nominees.
Quiner’s love of reading started at a young age. She has worked at the Kuskokwim Consortium Library since 2015 and became the director within eight months. She loves serving the community and feels like the library is a big family.
Moreover, Quiner has been instrumental in providing services to the community despite the challenges of running a library in a remote area. The Kuskokwim Consortium Library has only three full-time staff members, but it provides a wide range of services, including arts workshops, community events, and a checkout system for household items.
Furthermore, the library is a vital part of the community, providing a space for people to congregate and connect with others. Quiner’s dedication to her community has earned her numerous accolades. It includes the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2023.
In addition, Quiner’s award comes with a $5,000 prize. She will be formally recognized at the LibLearnX event in Phoenix, Arizona. Theresa Quiner’s exceptional service has earned her the prestigious Theresa Quiner Award, a testament to her dedication to the community.
So, Quiner’s recognition serves as a model for librarians of dedicated service and community engagement.
This news story was originally published by Alaska Public Media.
