Selection of a winner for the 2009 READS Award of Excellence took a great deal of reflection. Nominees represented the best in library service all around New Hampshire. Pamela Smith, Head of Technical Services and Systems Librarian at Howe Library in Hanover emerged as this year's award recipient. She represents the highest ideals of READS, NHLA and the library profession.

According to her nominator, Mary White, Howe Library Director, Pamela makes public service her highest priority, leading the library staff with her technical expertise and commitment to services Hanover's tech-savvy patrons enjoy.

Pam served in the Vermont House of Representatives, and worked in the Acquisitions and Serials Department at the University of Vermont before joining the Howe Library staff. In her present role she has presented workshops at NELA and NH Library Association conferences as well as in her library. She is behind a long list of upgrades in technical services at the Howe Library, and makes full use of emergent technology whenever it is useful to the library community. Congratulations, Pam!