Gail Borden Library staff win awards for innovative programs

The Illinois Library Association's Youth Services Forum recently presented awards to two Gail Borden Public Library staff members, Katie Clausen and Glenna Godinsky.

The 2020 Davis Cup Award went to Katie Clausen, the library's Manager of the Early Learning Center, for creating programs for the youngest library customers. The annual Davis Cup Award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to youth services in libraries.

An advocate for early literacy skills in preparing children to get ready for kindergarten, Clausen has created a kindergarten readiness program as well as other programs such as Tiny Tech and Little STEAMers.

Along with creating innovative programming for young children, Clausen has created partnerships with community organizations such as The Elgin Partnership for Early Learning, The Alignment Collaborative for Education, and the local Health Department to enhance early literacy initiatives in the community. Also, she has published several articles on kindergarten readiness and discovery-based play.

A letter of nomination praised Katie's contributions: “Katie Clausen is a talented, enthusiastic advocate for providing children with the best books, materials, and programs that get them ready for life. She has shared her knowledge across many mediums: publications, presentations and webinars. All in all, Katie embodies the Marion Davis spirit of resourcefulness, professionalism and caring!”

Gail Borden Library's Life Enrichment Liaison Glenna Godinsky received the 2020 Alexander J. Skrzypek Award from the Illinois Library Association for her innovative and creative programming to seniors and developmentally disabled youths and adults. The award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library services for the blind or physically disabled in Illinois.

Using art, music, history, travel, geography and nature to stimulate the intellectual and emotional well-being of groups, Godinsky and a team of volunteers under her direction visit more than 20 facilities each month bringing programs such as “Tales & Travel” to those with cognitive impairments. Other programs include “Library Fun & Facts,” which combines stories, music and crafts, and “Cruisin' the Country,” which offers stories and craft kits to library customers.

A Certified Dementia Practitioner, Godinsky created Memory Cafes and the bilingual Café de los Recuerdos to give those with dementia and their caretakers a space for stress-free socializing. Recently, she put together a task force of community partners that worked to successfully have the City of Elgin designated a Dementia Friendly Community--Dementia Friends America.

Visit https://www.ila.org/about/awards-and-scholarships/2020-award-winners.