Frances de Usabel Outreach Services Award Past Winners
2010: Ruth Ann Montgomery
Ruth Ann Montgomery, director of the Arrowhead Library System, is the recipient of the 2010 Frances de Usabel Outreach Services Award, presented annually by the WLA's Outreach Services Round Table (OSRT). Jamie Matczak, OSRT Chair, said Ruth Ann was instrumental in helping the workers displaced by the closing of the GM plant in Janesville. Presently, over 1,600 residents in Rock County have participated in the computer classes Ruth Ann developed as part of an LSTA grant.
2009: Laurie Magee
Laurie Magee, Head of Children’s and Family Outreach Services Oshkosh Public Library was awarded the Frances de Usabel award at the WLA Awards Banquet in 2009. Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, director of the Oshkosh Public Library, nominated Laurie for her passion and skills as a librarians She ran the Bookmobile, Branch and Deposit Collection Services, Book by Mail and other outreach programs for Portage County Public Library (1981-1988) and the Oshkosh Public Library (1988-2010). Always seeking new ways of engaging with community members, Laurie’s efforts attracted so many volunteer helpers that Oshkosh Public Library decided to fund a Coordinator of Volunteers position.
2008: Annette Miller
Annette Miller, children's librarian, Tomahawk Public library, was awarded the Frances de Usabel award at the WLA Awards Banquet on November 9th 2008. Mary Dunn, director of the Tomahawk Public Library, nominated Miller for her efforts in supporting and enhancing early literacy efforts in the community through her work with Head Start, community child care programs, the 4k program, and other school programs. Her accomplishments highlight the impact that a committed individual and her library can have in a local community.
If you have any questions about this award, please contact Jame Matczak at
jmatczak@mail.nfls.lib.wi.us or 920-448-4413.
Application for the Frances de Usabel Outreach Services Award