Virginia Library Association 2024 Award Winners

The Awards & Recognition Committee of the Virginia Library Association has selected winners for the 2024 association awards. Librarians and library project teams from academic, public, and special libraries across the commonwealth are honored for their exemplary contributions to their communities and profession in 2023. The winners are:

• Academic Innovator Award: Craig Arthur, Virginia Tech

• Advocacy Award: Fran Milhouser, Fairfax County Public Library

• Donna G. Cote Librarian of the Year: Michelle Paxton, York County Public Library

• Friends of the Library Award: Friends of Samuels Library, Samuels Public Library
• 
Librarian of Color Forum Award: Eletha Davis, Williamsburg Regional Library

• Outstanding Professional Associates Award: Shannon Hendrix, Virginia Beach Public Library
• 
Professional Associates Forum Award: Darla Boardwine, Tazewell County Public Library

• Public Library Innovator Award: Community Learning Department - Minerva Hernandez Garcia, Suffolk Public Library
• 
Trustee Library Award: Melody Hotek, Samuels Public Library

• Up and Comer Award: Amanda Henderson, Suffolk Public Library

• Virginia Library of the Year: Samuels Public Library

• VLAPAF Supporters of Professional Associates Award: Clenise Platt, Virginia Beach Public Library
• Honorary Life Membership: Betsy Fowler 

All Virginia Library Association award winners will be honored at the Opening Session of the VLA Annual Conference, at 10AM on October 17, 2024 at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside, VA in conjunction with the VLA Annual Conference. For details about each winner and their accomplishments, please view below:

Academic Innovator Award

Craig Arthur is an associate professor of practice in Virginia Tech’s Academy of Transdisciplinary Studies. He’s been paying dues and working on his craft as a DJ since 1997. He’s a proud member of the Table Rok Crew and is always repping the home team in everything he does. An alumnus of VT, his undergraduate research experience with Dr. A. Kwame Harrison ultimately led him to a career in librarianship. He co-founded VTDITC: Hip Hop Studies at Virginia Tech shortly after starting work at his alma mater in 2016. As a DJ, he's shared stages with many artists including (the old) Kanye West, Common, Little Brother, Kid 'n Play, and Lil Yachty. To safeguard his honorific “the nicest librarian on two turntables,” he eagerly awaits any challenges from fellow librarian DJs.

“The VTDITC community has designed, taught, and assessed more than 300 community-based media literacy workshops and more than 1000 total events. Importantly, we have offered free, no-barrier-to-entry weekly recording sessions since spring 2017. We have hosted these sessions in our own recording studio on campus, established thanks to space provided by the Insitute of Creativity, Arts, & Technology since 2020."

Advocacy Award

Fran Millhouser grew up in a small town in Ohio where she could walk to the library. She decided to get an MLS after serving in Florida as a VISTA Volunteer and seeing the impact on low-income communities not served by the county library system. After earning her MLS from the University of Maryland in 1976, she worked as a public librarian in Northern Virginia until she retired in 2007. She was appointed to the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees in 2015. In 2022 she established the Friends and Advocates Network (FAN) Committee to form a network of library users who would advocate for the library with elected officials during the county’s annual budget cycle.

"Throughout the past year, FAN has tirelessly championed three pivotal causes—Censorship and Intellectual Freedom, Expanded and Consistent Hours, and Collection Funding—resulting in significant advancements that positively impact our community."

"Recognizing the importance of diverse and inclusive collections, FAN mobilized efforts to ensure that all residents have access to literature that reflects their identities and experiences."

 Donna G. Cote Librarian of the Year

Michelle Paxton serves as the Youth Services Coordinator at York County Public Library in Yorktown, Virginia, a position she has held for four years. She earned her Master of Library Science degree from Texas Women's University in 2019. During her studies, Michelle worked part-time at both York County Public Library and Hampton Public Library and also interned at Newport News Public Library thus allowing her to gain valuable experience. Before joining York County, she was a Youth Librarian at Norfolk Public Library. Prior to her career in librarianship, Michelle spent 18 years teaching elementary school, a background that has significantly influenced her approach to library services.

"In the past year she has excelled at promoting an accessible and positive climate in the library and advancing community relations all the while striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion."

"Michelle Paxton deserves the Donna G. Cote Librarian of the Year Award because she strives to create spaces, collections, and programs for the diverse needs and interests of our patrons. She continues to build strong community partnerships to support and promote library programs."

Friends of the Library Award

The Friends of Samuels Library has stood beside Samuels Public Library in Warren County, VA, since 2015. Our mission is to enhance the library's resources, assist the amazing staff, support and sponsor free programming, provide volunteer assistance, and advocate in the community. We operate a bookstore and run an annual book sale that supplements membership fees and donations. FOSL is proud to be a vital part of an amazing library. Pictured here are members of the FOSL Board of Directors. Front row, from left: Sally Meredith, Jessica Priest Cahill, Jean Verasammy, Chantal Gamble, Susan Rockwell. Rear row, from left: Chris Estes, Sydney Patton, Katharine Hulley, Valerie Minteer, Nioka DeVincentis. Not Pictured: Sharon Fisher, Pyda Gonzalez.

Librarian of Color Forum Award

Eletha L. Davis is the Outreach Services Director at the Williamsburg Regional Library. She feels very blessed to have forty years of public library experience and a few years of academic library service. Eletha has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from University of Maryland - College Park, a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is skilled in creating newspaper/paper bag crafts and paper flowers and her duties as the community busybody. She feels that “sharing books have allowed me to meet many people and make a lot of friends.”

Outstanding Professional Associates Award

Shannon Hendrix has been a Library Program Specialist for the Virginia Beach Public Library since February 2022.  So far she has championed programs throughout the system such as “Dementia Friends,” provided embedded libraries at several adult residential facilities, assisted with teen programming such as Battle of the Books and Career Exploration Day and served preschoolers around the city with monthly outreach Storytimes – one class has 19 babies!  She has served on the StoryWalk committee, the 2025 Film Festival Task Force and most recently she has received training to drive the new Bookmobile!

"Shannon regularly adapts library services to meet the needs of those she is serving, whether it be at a preschool location or an adult housing facility. She builds rapport with customers while also building bridges to library services."

"Shannon learns quickly, works well independently and is enthusiastic about services to customers of all ages. She is often the first to volunteer to lead outreach events, and she is always there to be a helping hand to her co-workers."

"Additionally, Shannon represents the Virginia Beach Public Library as an annual judge at the WHRO Young Writers Competition as well as the City of Virginia Beach Public School STEAM/Robotics Competition. Children from across the City and region recognize “Ms. Shannon” as a trusted face of the Library and she represents the organization proudly in all that she does."

Public Library Innovator Award

Suffolk Public Library's Community Learning Department is responsible for all system programs, events, and related services. The department provides patron-centered programming designed to reduce barriers and meet the needs and aspirations of Suffolk, especially for those from under-resourced and historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse individuals. Community Learning’s innovative library programs and services, including Parking Lot Pride, Spice of the Month Kits, and Build Your Crown: Hair Braiding Basics, are based on five core principles: DEI-B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), need, audience, intentionality, and organizational alignment. The Community Learning team includes Aaliyah Chears-Burton, Kelvin Ellis, Maura Zurfluh, and Tyler Ellis, Library Services Coordinators; Bethany Koehn and Diamond Chavis-Waller, Librarians; and Deborah Owen, Senior Librarian.
 
The department is led by Minerva Hernandez Garcia, Library Manager, who has held the role since May 2021. Before this, she was the Digital Services Librarian at Virginia Beach Public Library. At the intersection of diverse identities herself, Minerva understands that finding your community and seeing yourself represented and included in an authentic way can have a profound impact. She believes public libraries play a vital role fostering these principles.

"Accessibility and cultural representation were key factors when designing. CL start with the patron’s ideal outcome for attending a program. Some of the key initiatives in this approach were to assist marginalized communities in finding repeated opportunities to socialize, such as the LGBTQ+ community in Suffolk for Rainbow Families, or to develop programs with specific needs like Build Your Crown to help African and African-American learn the basics of braiding hair."

"Challenging the perception of libraries was another key innovation the CL department implemented with larger events that challenged the kinds of opportunities people might find at a library. SPL’s Shelf-Bound Sound concerts were developed to encourage music lovers to come to the library as popular music festivals garnered interest in live music. Parking Lot Pride offered the LGBTQ+ community an event in Suffolk and helped residents when no other programs were available. Another example is Harlem Nights which takes offerings outside library buildings to encourage jazz lovers to enjoy smaller more intimate concerts and dance. Lastly, SPL’s largest event IconiCon helps younger patrons to find an event in their fandom they could attend for free."

"The CL department deserves this award for their innovation in programming methods and the resulting increase in both breadth of learning opportunities, consistent quality of programs and events, as well as increase in overall attendance. Since this approach was enacted this year, SPL events have had attendance numbers at or above pre-pandemic levels of turnout with increased stakeholder interest as well."

Trustee Library Award

Melody Hotek has worked for nonprofits and served on Boards for 25 years. Initially with the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Fairfax and then upon retiring to Front Royal in 2012 she served as the President of the Friends of Samuels Public Library for 6 years, helped establish the organization's nonprofit status, a vibrant Board, and helped with the creation of the Epilogue Bookstore within the library.  Currently she serves as the President of Samuels Public Library Board of Trustees as well as Event Coordinator for the Library's annual fundraiser "A Taste for Books" which raises an average of 20k each year.  The Library is a passion and has become an integral part of a very full life translating into many, many volunteer hours when she is not being "Grandma."

"Ms. Hotek has been the lead of one of our major fundraising events, A Taste for Books, for nearly 10 years. Her creative outlook and motivation has allowed this major fundraising event to become increasingly successful over the years. Ms. Hotek works closely with the management team and library staff to put together a grand event that transforms the Library into a decorative gala for an evening. What makes A Taste for Books so special is Ms. Hotek’s inventiveness and insight on how we can make each year even bigger and better."

"Melody Hotek was appointed as the President of the Board of Trustees just as Samuels Library was in the midst of facing a challenge. In early 2023, a small group in our community with the intent to censor books joined in the nationwide attack against public libraries. Ms. Hotek was on the frontline of the fight to defend our library, while Warren County withheld 75% of the Library’s operational funding in an attempt to force the Library to remove items which they deemed inappropriate. Ms. Hotek stood firm and advised the County Board of Supervisors that the Library would close its doors before it violated the First Amendment rights of the entire community that the Library serves."

"In 2023, Melody took on the role of Board of Trustees President. This was during the height of an attack on Samuels Library’s funding and collection, but Melody did not shy away from the challenge. Melody worked closely with the Warren County Board of Supervisors, Director Michelle Ross and then Interim Director Eileen Grady on creating workable solutions to secure library funding while protecting the integrity of the library’s collection and upholding the First Amendment."

The Up and Comer Award

Amanda Henderson has turned her lifelong dream of librarianship into a vibrant reality. With a deep-rooted passion for research and literacy, Amanda finds joy in every aspect of her role. She believes that libraries are more than just stores of knowledge—they are community centers where people gather, connect, and grow.
 
Amanda’s dedication extends beyond the library walls. She is fervently committed to addressing food insecurity and enhancing community outreach. Through  leading community service initiatives, and creating programs that support local needs, Amanda strives to make a meaningful difference in her community. Her work embodies the belief that libraries play a crucial role in fostering connection and positive change.

"In her short time as a librarian, she has established herself as a leader in outreach services in our region, setting the bar for library services that reflect the daily challenges in people’s lives. Her dedication to outreach has transformed our Community Engagement Department, causing the library as a whole to shift resources towards meeting some of the foundational needs in our community."

"Her work transcends the traditional confines of library spaces as she goes right in to the heart of neighborhoods."

"Her intense drive to build library services based on what people need and not what libraries have traditionally done has been transformative for SPL. Still in the first years of her professional career, Amanda has accomplished an enormous amount both for herself professionally but more importantly for the community of Suffolk."

Virginia Library of the Year Award

Samuels Public Library has been providing public access to literature and learning in Warren County in the Town of Front Royal for more than two centuries. The Front Royal Librarian Society was the second subscription library in the Commonwealth, receiving its charter in 1799. In 1836 the Society was incorporated by the General Assembly and throughout the next century, the Library persevered through war and the Depression. The community has always supported the Library. The ladies of Warren County even held a “Silver Tea” with participants donating a book to grow the collection. Then in 1952 local resident Dr. Bernard Samuels donated a building to house the Library. This generosity was acknowledged through a renaming, and Samuels Public Library was born. With bequests and patron commitments, the Library was about to build a new modern facility which opened to the public in 1980 and with continued community growth and the cooperation of Warren County the doors opened anew in 2009 to a warm, friendly and beautiful location that is now home to Samuels Public Library and the many patrons we call friends.

Today Samuels Public Library serves more than 41,000 people in the County of Warren and strives to bring people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. In the last fiscal year the Library had more than 127,000 visitors, over 400,000 checkouts, and hosted 542 programs that saw 19,194 attendees. With growth and commitment to state-of-the-art services, the library was recently honored to receive a grant from the Mellon Foundation to improve and establish a combination Memory Lab and Makerspace enhancing free services for all.

Samuels continues its mission to improve and grow, to provide our community with excellent resources and services, special programs and events, updated technology and will remain one of the best community resources in Front Royal and Warren County.

"One of the most significant accomplishments of Samuels Library is its continuous dedication throughout a 9-month challenge the Library faced against a small group in the community with the intent to censor books in early 2023. In the midst of the challenge, the Warren County Board of Supervisors decided to withhold 75% of the Library’s annual budget until a compromise was made. Samuels Library made changes to address the issues the group had with some of the books on our shelves, including creating a new collection called New Adult, reviewing all Young Adult (YA) books, moving a selection of YA books to New Adult, and creating two new youth library cards with checkout restrictions."

"Nonetheless, Samuels Library is ready to fight for the First Amendment rights of all by strictly adhering to our Collection Development Policy and ensuring our collection reflects a multitude of ideas."

"In 2023, Samuels Public Library experienced more than 300 book challenges by a very small (53 individuals out of 20,549 patrons) but vocal minority in the community who demanded that books be removed from the collection based solely on LBGTQ content and that the library change its non-profit structure. The library’s leadership stood firm and defended its collection policies and structure. The library’s staff, Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Samuels Public Library, and hundreds of community members jumped in to defend the library and ensure its safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all patrons. The library not only survived this contentious challenge, but it has also thrived in its wake."

VLA Professional Associates Forum Award

Darla Boardwine worked at the independent Emma Yates Memorial Library in Pocahontas, VA. In 2001, Emma Yates Memorial Library became a branch of the Tazewell County Public Library. Darla joined TCPL, taking on the role of part-time branch manager. Under her guidance library circulation increased by 66%. She currently works as a full-time youth services librarian at the Tazewell Main Library. She enjoys doing children's programs and outreach.

"In 2021, Emma Yates Memorial Library became a branch library of the Tazewell County Public Library. Darla joined TCPL, taking on the role of part-time Pocahontas Branch Manager. In this new position, she quickly learned TCPL’s policy and procedures. She developed weekly Storytime and Lego club programs. By the end of her second year (June 2023), she had increased circulation at the Pocahontas Branch Library by 66% in comparison to her first year."

The VLAPAF Supporter of Professional Associates Award

Clenise Platt is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a gifted leader, communicator, strategic thinker and creative who partners with senior leaders, executives and teams to develop, plan and execute dynamic and innovative programs, initiatives and presentations. Her areas of concentration include leadership and board development, employee engagement, talent development, customer service, and culture cultivation to help increase employee development, engagement and enhanced organizational performance, visibility and profitability.

Clenise has authored several books and articles focused on personal, professional, spiritual, financial, community, youth and leadership development. She has been published in multiple publications including the Virginia Libraries Journal. Her love affair with libraries began as a young girl and has continued over the years with her work as a tour docent and storyteller at her local libraries, her appointment by City Council to her local library advisory board and working as a strategic talent development and training coordinator. She completed the Library of Virginia’s Library Management Academy and is currently a part of the 2024 Virginia Library Leadership Academy cohort. Clenise’s commitment to literacy resulted in her writing the book, Keep Your Chin Up, which was illustrated by local high school students and became a nonprofit organization which develops collaborative community projects and raises scholarship dollars for students. Clenise is a sought-after speaker and has presented at multiple conferences including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women NGO Forum, the Rotary International Convention, the Virginia Library Association Conference and the Southeast Collaborative Online Conference.

"Her contagious enthusiasm and innovative approach to professional development has allowed her to work collaboratively with many strategic partners and experts, including other city departments."

 "She has developed, managed, and facilitated more than 100 programs, projects, events, resources and initiatives at VBPL. She designed a comprehensive staff training, career, leadership and talent development program and a centralized training fund program (Team Training) for more than 300 employees."

"Clenise’s leadership and organizational skills are vital to her role as the lead or co-lead for a variety of teams, projects and task forces. She has led several task forces that have planned and executed highly successful All Staff Training Day (ASTD) events, rivaling the most elite library conferences."

Honorary Life Membership

Betsy Fowler, who retired December 31, 2023, from her role as director of the Williamsburg Regional Library, has been a library advocate, consultant, and public library administrator for over three decades, serving previously as the Chesapeake Public Library director and as the Coordinator of Branch Services for the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Among other recognitions of her work in the field, Betsy has been the Virginia Library Staff Person of the Year, and has received the Virginia Library Public Relations Award, the Chesapeake City Manager’s Award, and a Congressional Earmark for a Workforce Development Initiative to serve the Hampton Roads region. In 2012, she was selected by the U.S. Department of State as a professional emissary to work with Greek libraries. She has served as the library liaison on seventeen new library building and renovation projects and was instrumental in the design and establishment of an innovative new children’s library at the Williamsburg Regional Library. In 2024, Betsy received recognition for her work in Virginia libraries from the Virginia legislature, which passed House Joint Resolution no. 98 honoring her service, and in July 2024, Governor Youngkin appointed Betsy to the Library of Virginia Board. Betsy earned a BA from the University of Mary Washington, and an MLS degree from The Catholic University of America.

"As Director of WRL and in her previous roles, her forward-thinking initiatives and collaborations elevated community engagement and set new benchmarks in library innovation."

"At WRL, Mrs. Fowler spearheaded many innovative programs and projects, including the design and creation of the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio at the James City County Library. This groundbreaking children’s space integrates the existing collection of materials with children’s museum-style elements, an idea now being replicated in other libraries in Virginia."

"In recognition of her achievements in her field, Mrs. Fowler has received the Virginia Public Relations Award for marketing public libraries, the Chesapeake City Manager’s Award, and the Virginia Library Staff Person of the Year Award."

In order to celebrate the accomplishments of those who support and transform libraries throughout the Commonwealth, the Virginia Library Association, through the hard work of the Awards and Recognition Committee, offers a number of awards. Visit our VLA Awards page for more information about all of our awards.