posted on: 10/3/2018

The New Hampshire Library Trustees Association (NHTLA) will formally present Dover Library Director Cathleen Beaudoin with the 2018 Library Director of the Year Award on Tuesday, Oct. 9, during a public reception at the Dover Public Library from 4 to 6 p.m. The award will be presented by Mary Castelli, president of the NHTLA. Light refreshments will be served during the event, which is open to all.

Dover's library trustees were notified in September that Beaudoin was chosen as Library Director of the Year from a large number of nominations. In her letter to the Dover Public Library's Board of Trustees, Castelli said the NHTLA was "particularly impressed with all Cathleen has accomplished in her long career" at the Dover Public Library.

Trustees, library staff and City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. surprised Beaudoin with the announcement during a small celebration on Sept. 26.

Beaudoin to be presented with Library Director of the Year Award during public reception Oct. 9

posted on: 10/3/2018

The New Hampshire Library Trustees Association (NHTLA) will formally present Dover Library Director Cathleen Beaudoin with the 2018 Library Director of the Year Award on Tuesday, Oct. 9, during a public reception at the Dover Public Library from 4 to 6 p.m. The award will be presented by Mary Castelli, president of the NHTLA. Light refreshments will be served during the event, which is open to all.

Dover's library trustees were notified in September that Beaudoin was chosen as Library Director of the Year from a large number of nominations. In her letter to the Dover Public Library's Board of Trustees, Castelli said the NHTLA was "particularly impressed with all Cathleen has accomplished in her long career" at the Dover Public Library.

Trustees, library staff and City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. surprised Beaudoin with the announcement during a small celebration on Sept. 26.

Joyal, along with Denise LaFrance, Dover's reference librarian, and the Board of Trustees, wrote letters in support of Beaudoin to the NHTLA.

In his letter to the NHTLA, Joyal said Beaudoin has long been a champion of leveraging technology to improve access and services at the library.

"As a result of Cathy’s vision, Dover’s Public Library was one of the first in New Hampshire to convert to an electronic card catalog, provide access to the internet and begin moving towards the availability of more digital content starting in the early 1990’s," Joyal wrote. "Cathy spearheaded this effort as the internet 'information superhighway' was first evolving with public libraries becoming the 'on ramps' for public access. Her efforts included coordination with the local school district to ensure that a single library system with internet access and expanded digital offerings could serve not only the needs of the public at large but also our public school needs. It is because of Cathy’s foresight and leadership that our DoverNet Library System remains as an information resource model for public library systems serving communities and schools not only here in New Hampshire but across our country."

In their letter of unanimous support, the Library Board of Trustees wrote, “Cathy is one of the foremost experts on Dover History which she generously shares with local museums, civic organizations and city committees. She was instrumental in organizing and scripting many historical reenactments highlighting Dover history through key areas such as our factories, rivers, cemetery, etc., as well as documenting and leading tours of historic neighborhoods. Cathy also provides 3rd grade history walks. She has been published as the author of books about the area and its rich history.”

LaFrance, writing on behalf of the staff of the library, said Beaudoin encourages new ideas and creative thinking. In addition, LaFrance wrote that Beaudoin continually provides encouragement and guidance to staff.

"Cathy has empowered the staff to deal with unique issues and problems that can arise in a busy 21st century public library," LaFrance wrote. "Staff members have participated in in-house classes, webinars, and continuing education on topics such as homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse. These are sensitive all issues that Cathy herself models best practices for, allowing the staff to learn and therefore become more compassionate librarians and community advocates."

According to the NHTLA, eligibility for the top award includes being an active advocate for promoting libraries, endorsed by the library’s board of trustees, developing program and services to meet community needs and enhancing the quality of life, and demonstrating effective management and development skills with staff and volunteers.

Beaudoin has been with the city's library for 43 years, beginning in 1975. She became library director in 1999.