Ela Library Librarian Awarded Teen Librarian of the Year

Ela Area Public Library's Becca Boland has been named the 2016 recipient of the Illinois Library Association's (ILA) Young Adult Librarian of the Year Award. The award, presented by ILA and the Young Adult Services Forum, recognizes an Illinois Young Adult Librarian who is making an outstanding local contribution in library services to young adults in his/her community by creating and implementing library programs and services that promote a love of literature and/or instill positive feelings about libraries.

Recognized as a leader in the field of teen services, Boland is responsible for developing and presenting programs tailored to both the teens' needs and interests; selecting materials for the Library's collection; providing outreach to middle and high schools in the Library's district; and serving as an assistant manager for the Popular Materials department. She also oversees the Teen Board, Anime Club, teen volunteers, serves on multiple Library committees and advisory boards in the Chicagoland area.

"Her inclusive and outgoing energy is contagious and she is able to build consensus around

ideas without making people feel intimidated," says Leah White, Head of Popular Materials at

the Ela Area Public Library.

The Young Adult Librarian of the Year Award will be presented at the Awards Luncheon held

on Tuesday, October 18, during the 2016 Illinois Library Association Annual Conference in

Rosemont.