(GOLDEN, Colo. – Oct. 16, 2011) Tom and Alice Atkins were presented with the Library Advocate of the Year Award at the Colorado Association of Libraries Annual Conference on Oct. 14, 2011. This prestigious award recognizes far-reaching, sustained contributions to the promotion and/or support of library and information services to the state of Colorado.
The Atkins are founders of Save Jeffco Libraries, a citizens’ initiative created to ensure tax revenues approved for exclusively for library purposes are appropriately allocated and the work of the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees is not influenced by County officials.
The Colorado Association of Libraries also recognized the Atkins for their support of local libraries, including working with city government to repurpose old, unused spaces for library services, endless hours collecting signatures, and speaking to the public about the importance of the public library to the community.
“I have worked side by side with Tom and Alice and they are a force to be reckoned with,” said Dodie Ownes, Colorado Association of Libraries member, Jefferson County resident, and special projects coordinator for Library Journal and School Library Journal. “I strongly believe that only through this kind of citizen participation will our libraries be allowed to endure and flourish as sources of knowledge, social support and literacy centers for our Colorado community.”
“Every day we are reminded how important libraries are and how they serve all of our citizens, regardless of age, economic, or social status,” said Tom Atkins. “That’s why it’s so important to insulate the Library from the kind of political environment that threatens its funding, policies, and even its management.”
In 1993 and 1994, Tom Atkins worked with the City of Golden, Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) and the County to convert the old Golden Recreation Center into the current Golden Library. He was also a former chair of the Jefferson County Public Library Board of Trustees.
“Former JCPL Trustees and all Save Jeffco Libraries supporters believe that the only way to perserve and protect JCPL is through the formation of an independent library district,” said Alice Atkins.
For additional information about Save Jeffco Libraries, visit SaveJeffcoLibraries.org, or contact the group at 720.340.1707.
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Save Jeffco Libraries
Save Jeffco Libraries is a grassroots organization formed by Jefferson County Public Library patrons, including many former Library Trustees, who are concerned about the Library’s funding and independence and believe creation of a district is the only way to preserve and protect its future. Save Jeffco Libraries is a citizens’ initiative and is not affiliated with Jefferson County Public Library, its Board of Trustees, Jefferson County Library Foundation, or Friends of the Library.
