News
Maxine Bleiweis Honored as Outstanding Librarian
April 28, 2011
Maxine Bleiweis will be honored as this year’s Outstanding Librarian in recognition of her career accomplishments and record of service to both her library and the library profession. The award will be presented by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) at their 120th annual conference being held in Stamford on May 3.
When she learned of the award Bleiweis said, “It is especially meaningful when your colleagues select you to receive an award. It has been my privilege and pleasure to devote my professional career to serving public libraries in Connecticut, a state known for the value it places on libraries. While this award is made to one librarian, it really belongs to the community I serve—a community of people who enable the Westport Public Library to lead the way in the library world.”
Throughout her career, a hallmark of her philosophy has been keeping libraries at the forefront of meeting community needs; she is known for predicting trends and finding ways to meet needs as they emerge. One of her earliest initiatives in Westport continues successfully today—specifically addressing the needs of the business community. She continues to be a pioneer, now by exploring what libraries can do best in the digital age.
Others cite her infectious energy and enthusiasm, her wonderful people skills, prudent fiscal management, the innovative public service model she has developed, and her leadership both within and outside the Library.
During her 13-year tenure in Westport, Library program attendance has doubled and circulation has grown to the point that the Library is the 8th busiest in all of New England. She has also been instrumental in securing new community-based financial support through BOOKED for the evening, an event that honors luminaries including Tom Brokaw, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Martin Scorsese among others.
Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said, “The Town of Westport is most fortunate to have Maxine as Executive Director of our Library. Thanks to her, the Westport Library is in the forefront of accessing new resources in response to the latest developments in the information world.”
Eduardo Andrade, current President of the Westport Library Board of Trustees describes Maxine as an invaluable asset to the community who has led staff to make the Library a beloved and indispensable institution. He said, “Not only does she have an in-depth understanding of the services the Library provides to meet the demands of today, she is also a passionate voice for the Library of the future.”
Former Westport Library Trustee President, Stacy Waldman Bass said, “She is a gifted leader, who is easily able to build consensus, and is always ahead of the curve.”
Prior to beginning her tenure in Westport in 1998, she was director in Newington for 18 years where she oversaw a major renovation. Her professional career started in New Jersey as branch head for the Mercer County Library System, followed by a director position Suffield in 1974. She has served as President of the Capitol Region Library Council and, in 1995, as President of the CLA. In Westport she is on the Historical Society advisory council and the board of the Chamber of Commerce. She is the author of Helping Business: a community guide to economic development and is in-demand as a speaker both locally and nationally.
Currently she is in the forefront of the movement calling for restoration of state budget funding for two proven programs that make it possible for libraries in Connecticut to share resources with each other and each others’ patrons efficiently and economically.
See other stories on the award:
06880 Where Westport Meets the World
