Friday, February 23, 2024: Congratulations to Cathy Breen, winner of the 2023 Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service to the Library!
For over 20 years, Cathy has presented story time to scores of children two times a week in the Little City. Cathy takes this responsibility seriously, and enthusiastically sings and reads her heart out with a well-planned series of stories, songs, and rhymes that are enjoyed by our smallest patrons. She interacts empathically with parents and caregivers and is well-loved by the families she serves. The years of amazing story times have helped toddlers grow into active users of the library; we are now seeing the second generation of Cathy’s story time attendees bringing their children into the library.
Cathy treats every child that comes into the Youth Services room with dignity, care and true interest in them. Her extensive knowledge of children’s literature makes her a resource for library patrons, as well as other library staff. She has a real love for the library and its well-being, and advocates for the good of the community and the library at all times.
- PHOTO: De Long Award Presentation at City Council Meeting on February 12, 2024 (photo credit: Sophie Kachur)
- FRONT ROW (L to R): Jess Borchetta, Beth Meadows, Chet De Long, Cathy Breen, Marshall Webster, Andrew Painter (MRSPL Foundation)
- BACK ROW (L to R): Council Member Justine Underhill, Council Member David Snyder, Mayor Letty Hardi, Vice Mayor Debbie Hiscott, Council Member Caroline Lian, Council Member Erin Flynn
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 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:
- 2022: Beth Meadows
- 2021: Claudia Gutierrez
- 2020: Eric Albrecht