Teacher-Librarian from British Columbia Promotes Librarianship and Wins Award

(Ottawa, May 8, 2009) - Karen Lindsay, a teacher-librarian at Reynolds Secondary School in Victoria, B.C., has been awarded the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship.

This award honours individuals who contribute significantly to the public recognition and appreciation of librarianship. Recipients receive $1,000 and a plaque recognizing their achievement.

Karen has served as a teacher and librarian for 30 years. Karen’s career achievements include:

• Developing a daily, school-wide silent reading program
• Serving as Vice-President of the Greater Victoria Teacher-Librarians' Association
• Developing a wiki for sharing information and ideas with students, teachers and other professionals
• Working with Ministry of Education officials, the BC Teachers' Federation, and the B.C. Auditor General to promote the role of teacher-librarians, and the importance of strong school library programs and literacy.

Karen was instrumental in establishing the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) campaign. DEAR is a 15-minute reading challenge that takes place on National School Library Day. In 2007, students at one school participated. By 2008, DEAR had grown to include multiple schools, daycares and public libraries. Karen’s vision is that DEAR becomes a national celebration. The BC Ministry of Education has recognized Karen for her contribution to DEAR.

Karen leverages technology (Facebook, blogs, wikis and websites) to connect with young readers and her peers. Her nominator described her as “an exemplary school-based teacher-librarian, a district leader, a provincial mentor and role model with national connections.”

The Ken Haycock Award is offered by the Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques. It was established in recognition of CLA/ACB past president Dr. Ken Haycock, distinguished educator, administrator and advocate.

The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

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Media Contact: Monique Desormeaux, Ottawa Public Library, Tel: (613) 580-2424 x 32818
Email: monique.desormeaux@biblioottawalibrary.ca