left to right: Denise VanZanten, who submitted the nomination on behalf of GMILCS, Inc.; Carl Heidenblad; Amy Lapointe, NHLA Awards Chair; Jenn Hosking, NHLA President

At the 2016 Annual meeting at the Hooksett Public Library, Past President Amy Lapointe announced Carl Heidenblad as the recipient of the 2016 Ann Geisel Award of Merit. All those traveling north on Route 3 enjoyed seeing Carl’s name flashing on Hooksett’s electronic billboard.

The Ann Geisel Award of Merit is given to an individual, group or organization that has made significant contributions to the New Hampshire library community. This award is named in the memory of Ann Geisel, who personified “distinguished service to the New Hampshire library community.”

Past Ann Geisel Award of Merit recipients have improved all New Hampshire libraries through their efforts as library professionals and Carl’s name clearly belongs among those ranks. One nomination described him as “an extremely knowledgeable administrator who makes the job of running a town library seem easy.” Several nominators mentioned his relationships with people, leading with a positive attitude and showing people genuine respect. He’s a good listener. He challenges his staff to discover and develop their talents. He leads with honesty, respect and courtesy, not just on good days, but every day. He has vision, embracing news ideas and trends, anticipating changing needs as the community evolves.

Carl has worked beyond his local library and has served on the board of several organizations including MerriHillRock, NHLA and GMILCS, and last year worked with NELA as a NELLS mentor.

Many, many New Hampshire librarians view Carl as a mentor, a leader, a friend and a trusted resource. Because he has been there for so many with advice, friendship, support, words of wisdom and, very importantly, a sense of humor, NHLA is pleased to celebrate Carl Heidenblad as the 2016 recipient of the Ann Geisel Award of Merit.