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	Birmingham’s
	Best Boss
	Award
	by Melissa Foster, Leeds Public Library
	Doris Jarvis, Director of the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library, was awarded the "2000 Birmingham's Best Boss Award." The Leeds Library Staff nominated Mrs. Jarvis in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the community, library and the staff. "I've never heard her ask someone else to do a job she is not willing to do herself. She is always positive, encouraging, and understanding. She listens to our ideas, allows initiative and is abundant with her praise!" We congratulate Doris for being recognized as a great boss and librarian!

		On Our Own Terms
		The four-part PBS series On Our Own Terms: Moyers on Dying that aired September 10-13 was extremely popular with Jefferson County area patrons. The series was the beginning of a national conversation regarding end of life issues. The series is divided into 4 programs: Program I: Living with Dying; Program II: A Different Kind of Care; Program III: A Death of One’s Own; Program IV: A Time to Change. The Birmingham Area Hospice of the Jefferson County Department of Health and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham have come together to fund and donate video tapes of the television series to 20 Jefferson County Public Libraries. Contact your local public library for more information on this video series.


	Library Champions by Pat Ryan
	Library Champions by Pat Ryan

	The Library Champion Award is given annually by the Jefferson County Public Library Association (JCPLA) to an individual(s) and/or organization who has made a significant contribution to libraries or librarianship in Jefferson County. The individuals/ organizations listed below were honored December 5 at the annual JCPLA Holiday Luncheon at the Harbert Center. *Walter Bryant, Birmingham News Staff Writer.* The information provided through Mr. Bryant’s articles is a public service to citizens of all ages. Citizens are kept up-to-date on new services and technology offered in our libraries. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to promote libraries in Jefferson County. *Alma P. Dennis, Birmingham Public Library Trustee.* Mrs. Dennis has served on the Birmingham Library Board for the past 14 years. She has been a vocal advocate of the tuition assistance program, which enables staff librarians to obtain a Masters of Library Science degree. She has contributed a great deal of time and energy to the American Library Trustee Association, and currently serves as their Regional Vice-President. *Victoria Baxter Palefsky, Birmingham Public Library Trustee.* Mrs. Palefsky has served on the Birmingham Library Board for the past 9 years. She has been a strong proponent of library staff development and has been very supportive of the countywide library cooperative system. She has been an outspoken library and intellectual freedom advocate in our community. *Lee M. Gewin, R. Holman Head, G. Ruffner Page, Jr., Mountain Brook Library Foundation.* These three individuals have worked tirelessly to spearhead the fundraising drive for the new 39,000 square foot Emmet O’Neal Library. They have been involved from planning the building to strategizing the fundraising, from training volunteers to recruiting new Foundation Board members. Their continued efforts and enthusiasm has helped make this dream a reality. *Robert B. Ellenburg, Volunteer, Homewood Public Library.* Mr. Ellenburg has volunteered at the Library for 16 years, working in all departments. His expertise as an engineer and his carpentry skill has greatly benefited the Library. On several occasions he has constructed large play items for use in the Children’s Department. He has been an active member of the Friends of the Library and has served on their Council. *Jane Culbreth, Board Chairman, Leeds-Jane Culbreth Public Library.* Through the efforts of Ms. Culbreth, the Leeds Public Library opened in 1971. She has served as chairman of the Library Board of Trustees for 33 years, working diligently to improve library services for her community and the state through legislative advocacy. These Library Champions are representative of the excellent leaders that give of themselves to serve their libraries and communities. Today’s libraries are community centers as well as centers for life-long learning. Thank you Library Champions!