Thursday, December 22, 2022 - Congratulations to Beth Meadows, winner of the 2022 Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service to the Library!
Beth Meadows started with the library in 2006 as a substitute, moved into the Circulation Department as a part-time Library Assistant I, and transitioned into a librarian position with the Adult Services department in 2015. Beth has always been a person who is willing to help, collaborate with, and support her co-workers and provide excellent customer service to patrons. More recently she has grown to demonstrate innovation and initiative in the library. She has been the point person for the Adult Summer Reading program, worked on the program to provide library materials to homebound patrons, coordinated library outreach with the Falls Church Senior Center, and provided insightful feedback on improving services and programs.
- PHOTO FRONT ROW (L to R): MRSPL Foundation Board Chair Jess Sabo, Beth Meadows, Claudia Gutierrez, Chet De Long, Eric Albrecht, Library Director Jennifer Carroll
- PHOTO BACKROW (L to R): Council Member Caroline Lian, Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, Mayor David Tarter, Council Member Phil Duncan
About the Chet De Long Award
The Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service was created by the Mary Riley Styles Library Foundation to recognize a library staff member or volunteer who has shown the qualities of dedication and public service that exemplify the civic life of Chet De Long. The award, in the amount of $1,000, will be presented to one volunteer or staff member each fall.
Mr. De Long has supported the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in many vital ways over more than 25 years. He served for over 25 years on the Library Board of Trustees. As board member and vice-chairman, he helped to guide library policy, supporting three different library directors. Over the past decade, he was crucial to planning the renovation of the library, including advocacy with the City Council. Mr. De Long also worked as a volunteer at the library for 26 years. For up to 300 hours per year, he has worked behind the scenes at the library, mostly assisting the intake of new material and the deletion of old items, shelving items, and supporting the library's ongoing book sale. Mr. De Long was also a founding member of the MRSPL Foundation. After the organization was established in 2004, he served as Financial Officer and fundraiser for many years.
Previous Winners:
- 2021: Claudia Gutierrez
- 2021: Eric Albrecht