Library Director Catherine Redden receives 2005 Ann Geisel Award

At the Fall Conference of the New Hampshire Library Association (NHLA), Hampton's Catherine Redden was chosen to be the 2005 recipient of the "Ann Geisel Award for Distinguished Service to the New Hampshire Library Community." This award of merit is given annually by the Association to recognize librarians who have contributed to the Association or the New Hampshire library community.

Catherine was recognized for being an active participant in New Hampshire libraries for almost two decades. Over and above her duties at her own library, she has continually supported librarianship throughout the state and beyond by her willingness to serve on committees, her regular attendance at her area library co-op meetings, at conferences and workshops, and many years of service on the NHLA Board, as well as service on the New England Library Association Board. She has served two terms as President of the NHLA, the first in 1992 and the latest this past year when a leadership vacancy needed to be filled. Over the years Catherine has been more than willing to serve on committees that further the profession, most recently being a member of the Pay Equity Task Force. She has also nurtured the library profession by teaching classes, first in the Library Techniques program and more recently in the State Library’s Education Modules. Her support for the state association extends from her presence on its board to her consistent support of its fundraisers, most notably with her regular donation of a handmade quilt for the auction. Catherine’s long career in New Hampshire libraries has been dedicated, professional and nurturing. Truly a library leader, she is recognized throughout the New Hampshire library community as a library advocate, an educator and mentor, and an exceptional librarian

This award is named in the memory of Ann Geisel (1947-1999). Ann personified "Distinguished service to the New Hampshire library community". In addition to serving for many years as the Director of the Peterborough Town Library, she served the New Hampshire library community through her service as a member of the NH Library Association, Nubanusit Library Coop and the NH State Library Advisory Council including a term as its Chair. She was also active in regional and national library issues as a member of the Advisory Board of the Northeast Document Conservation Center, the American Library Association and the New England Library Association.

Catherine Redden is the fourth recipient of this award, first given to Bedford's Fran Wiggin in 2001, and subsequently in 2003 to Portsmouth's Sherm Pridham and 2004 to former NH State Librarian Shirley Adamovich.