On Friday, November 2, 2018, Goffstown Public Library Director Dianne Hathaway was presented the Ann Geisel Award of Merit by the NH Library Association in recognition for her outstanding contributions to the New Hampshire library community.

As a Librarian, and Director of the Goffstown Public Library, Dianne has provided leadership, served the community, encouraged innovation, and mentored professional librarians throughout her career.

Nominated by her peers, a past president of NH Library Association (NHLA), the State Librarian, a current officer of NHLA, and three past recipients of the Ann Geisel award, Dianne was presented the award at the NH Library Association's fall business meeting. When announcing the award, Marilyn Borgendale, past-president of NHLA had this to say about Dianne: " ... she's not only an excellent Librarian for her community, she has clearly gone above and beyond in her demonstrated contribution to the profession. She has been a mentor to many ..." Marilyn continued, listing Dianne's work throughout the New England library community, noting her involvement ranging from secretary, to committee chair, and executive board membership of organizations such as the New England Library Association (NELA), New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS), through to her position as past-president of the Greater Manchester Integrated Cooperative Library System (GMILCS), the largest automation cooperative in the state serving more than one quarter of New Hampshire's population.

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. An overwhelming number of nomination letters naming Dianne were submitted this year, and a unanimous vote from the NHLA Executive Committee selected her for the award. Nomination letters included comments like:

"Many of us in NH watch the goings-on at the Goffstown Public Library to see what new service Dianne and her team have come up with, or to see what twist they've put on an existing service to keep it fresh."

"I can't tell you the number of times she has stepped forward to take on a project or position when there is a need - just because she believes so strongly in what public libraries provide for our communities."

A letter from Amherst Library Director Amy Lapointe summed up what Dianne has done for young librarians as a colleague, friend and mentor -

"I can truly think of no colleague more deserving of the Ann Geisel Award of Merit than Dianne Hathaway. .. as the Assistant Director under Dianne at the Goffstown Public Library ... I knew by the end of my first week that I had lucked-out professionally, even before I started she had signed me up to serve on the READS (Reference and Adult Services Section) programming committee, and explained the importance of serving our state association and networking with colleagues. Also from the beginning of my tenure, she set about creating a plan to ensure that I would have the opportunity to develop the skills that I would need in my next job. And I know that I'm not the only young professional who has had the benefit of her tutelage. She truly has an unparalleled commitment to mentoring young professionals. At any stage in your career, Dianne will always take the time to suggest a course of action, or share an example, policy, or document, or just lend an ear during a challenging time."

Upon accepting the award, Dianne acknowledged the honor of being a recipient of the Ann Geisel Award of Merit, and pointed out how "It has been a joy to work with all of you as we strive to make our libraries the best they can be, serving our communities and their residents." She tasked the current generation of librarians to mentor the next group coming up and reminded everyone that "We are NEVER too experienced to accept the advice and guidance of our colleagues and I believe this is an obligation to our profession. I have been mentored by so many remarkable librarians, some now retired, and I am still being mentored and guided by you in this room today."

In attendance were Dianne's daughters, and a couple of her grandchildren, who drove up to Plymouth, NH to attended the award presentation. Dianne was thrilled that they could attend and share the recognition with her and emphasized that "Being a mom has been a great motivator throughout my career, especially as a mom to young women."

Dianne Hathaway has been the Director of the Goffstown Public Library for over 19 years where she leads a stellar staff, working to make a difference in the Goffstown community. Dianne holds a BS from Southern Connecticut State University and a graduate degree from Simmons College, and was the 2013 NH Mentor to the New England Library Leadership Symposium. She is particularly interested in public libraries as community partners and believes libraries are at the heart of service for the greater good through outreach to the community. Dianne has served on many Boards and is currently active with GMILCS, Inc. a consortium of 12 libraries in southern New Hampshire, the New England Library Association and the Goffstown Historical Society.

For additional information, please contact: Dianne Hathaway, 603-497-2102, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.goffstownlibrary.com.

"The Ann Geisel Award of Merit recognizes librarians, libraries, and other individuals or organizations that have contributed to the New Hampshire Library Association (NHLA) or the New Hampshire library community.  Past Ann Geisel Award of Merit recipients have improved all New Hampshire libraries through their efforts as library professionals, by providing library services or advocating for library issues within and beyond the state level.

This award is named in the memory of Ann Geisel (1947-1999).  Ann personified “distinguished service to the New Hampshire library community.”  In addition to serving for many years as the Director of the Peterborough Town Library, she served the New Hampshire library community through her service as a member of NHLA, the Nubanusit Library Coop, and the NH State Library Advisory Council, including a term as its Chair.  She was active in regional and national library issues as a member of the Advisory Board of the Northeast Document Conservation Center, the American Library Association, and the New England Library Association." - http://nhlibrarians.org/awards/geisel/