The Youth Services Coordinator at the Lester Public Library is now also the Librarian of the Year through the Wisconsin Library Association.
Terry Ehle tells Seehafer News that Library Director Jeff Dawson first nominated her.
“And I thought yeah, right, sure, that’s never going to happen,” she described. “And then all of a sudden, we got a call maybe about two weeks now that I had won the award and I was shocked, to be honest. There some pretty impressive names up in that list of winners and I was just very honored to be chosen.”
According to colleagues, Ehle has raised the bar in material selection and programming from infants to teens.
Ehle says there is one program she is still very proud of: Reach Out and Read.
The program was started in 10 years, and she calls one of the most effective early literacy programs out there by providing tips on the importance of early literacy.
The program is unique to Manitowoc County.
“The library is kind of at the center of it where we choose all of the books, we label them, and we deliver them to the clinics for distribution.” Ehle said.
Ehle also explained how she’s going to places like Two Rivers High School to help distribute books to students.
Lester Public Library also tries to get students a library card as well.
When asked about why she loves her job, Ehle says it’s different every day.
“We have a fantastic library director in Jeff Dawson, and he’s always been very encouraging,” she explained. “So, if I see something that I want to address or I want to just have fun and do a fun program he always been very good about saying yes, give it a try.”
Ehle has been with the Lester Public Library since 1998 and holds an elementary degree from Western Illinois University and her MLIS degree from UW-Milwaukee.
According to the Wisconsin Library Association, who gave her the award, say Lester is very lucky to have someone with dedication, creativity, and a vision in providing outstanding library services.
