From Berks County Public Libraries
Pictured above: Judy Ellsworth and Sherry Davis of Berks Book Bonanza accept the Library System’s highest award from BCPL Advisory Board member Mary Ellen Wells. The Dreisbach Award for Exemplary Service is named after the first president of the Library System and was issued to the volunteers of Berks Book Bonanza for their contributions to public library service development in 2025.
On Wednesday, March 4, Berks County Public Libraries honored leadership and service excellence during its 23rd annual Awards Celebration. Presented at the Library System headquarters in front of an audience of 70 attendees, the event recognized individuals and organizations for their support and contributions to public libraries in Berks County.
Members of the library community nominated individuals, groups, or events that demonstrated outstanding commitment or service to their library and patrons. The Berks County Public Libraries Advisory Board considered nominations from 2025 and announced the category winners during the ceremony.
Distinguished guests at this year’s event included State Representative Jacklyn Rusnock, State Representative Eric Weaknecht, and Steve Howe, Constituent Specialist to State Senator Scott Martin. Representative Rusnock offered opening remarks to the crowd, noting, “libraries and truly community hubs, and they are welcoming, supportive environments that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods.” Howe later presented a certificate to Director Carol Donahue in recognition of her win of the Outstanding Library Director award.
The full list of award recipients from the 23rd annual Awards Celebration is as follows:
- Outstanding Elected Official — Mayor David Reimer Sr., Borough of Leesport
- Outstanding Local Business — Castaneda’s Mexican Restaurant, Robesonia
- Outstanding Community Organization — Hamburg Grange, Hamburg
- Outstanding Library Director — Carol Donahue, Village Library of Morgantown
- Outstanding Library Volunteer — Marsha Olivia, Kutztown Community Library
- Outstanding Library Staff Member — Kellee Wood, Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library
- Outstanding Fundraising Effort — 75th Anniversary, Kutztown Community Library
- Outstanding Youth Program — Children’s 12 Days of Crafting, Reading Public Library
- Outstanding Teen Program — Youth-Led Humanities Grant (Teen Reading Lounge), Brandywine Community Library
- Outstanding Adult Program — Bestsellers & Baked Goods, Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library
- Chet Hagan Memorial Public Relations Award — Boyertown Community Library
- Dreisbach Award for Exemplary Service — Berks Book Bonanza Volunteers
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