Date: Fri 01-Mar-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Janet-Woycik-library-award

Full Text:

with cut: State Library Panel Cites Janet Woycik For Special Achievement;

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

When Janet Woycik gets involved in a project "it comes out tops," said one

long time associate. And that's exactly what the Connecticut Library

Association recently decided when it bestowed its Special Achievement Award

for her extraordinary work on the library addition and for her extensive

service to the community.

"The committee's impression is that she really is devoted to the library and

library community which it serves," said Pat Johnson, chair of the CLA awards

committee, and head of Technical Services at Wallingford Library. In addition

to performing her regular duties as director of the Booth Library, Mrs Woycik

spent a great deal of "after hours" time working on the expansion project and

engaging in other civic activities, said Ms Johnson. "She is obviously a

person with a great deal of ambition and caring for the community as whole -

not just as a librarian but as an individual."

Gordon Williams, who is the president of the Cyrenius Booth Library Board of

Trustees, read about two awards offered by CLA in the Connecticut Library

Journal . "One was the Special Achievement Award for someone who had done

something incredible. Janet just fits that to a `T,'" he said. The president

made note of her "pep, enthusiasm, and motivation of the board" and the fact

that she had spent much of her own time - including vacation time - working on

the library expansion project.

He drafted a letter, which was then edited by board Vice President Kathy

Geckle. Newspaper clippings and letters of support were included with his

letter of nomination.

"I am absolutely humbled," said Mrs Woycik. The people who nominated her and

wrote supportive letters were, themselves, instrumental in seeing the project

come to fruition, she said. "I didn't even know I had been nominated - it was

such a surprise. The board had a big celebration for me last week. It is all

such a wonderful experience."

"I can't think it was a hard decision [to choose Janet for this award]," said

Reference Librarian Beryl Harrison. "I don't think there's another library in

the state that has accomplished as much in such a short time. And we had to

struggle."

During the past four years Mrs Woycik worked in partnership with the Board of

Trustees to plan the $4.1 million library addition. The letter of nomination

stated that she was involved in every aspect of the project - writing the

grant, selecting furniture, ascertaining appropriate room size and computer

needs, and making presentations to the myriad town government boards whose

approval was needed to proceed with the plans. Mrs Woycik visited other

libraries throughout the state that had completed library additions.

"She did everything any human being could do to get this addition because she

strongly believes in a community library," said Judge William Lavery, who is

also a library board member.

Joanne Zang, past president of Friends of the Booth Library, remembers being

on the committe that hired Mrs Woycik as library director more than 14 years

ago. "We were sure at that time that she would be a strong, creative, and

effective director and she has far exceeded our expectations," she said. "The

things she's accomplished are just fantastic. I wish she'd be here another 40

years!"

Mrs Woycik was nomimated primarily for her role in the library expansion, but

also for her outstanding community involvement. She is an active member of the

Chamber of Commerce, has chaired Newtown's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

for years, has served on the Borough Zoning Board of Appeals, and continues to

devote a great deal of time in planning the annual Literacy Volunteer Day at

the library. Active in Business and Professional Women of Newtown, she has

been nominated for Outstanding Woman of the Year.

"Janet is a town treasure," said Marion Wood, president of Friends of the

Booth Library. "She doesn't just benefit the library - the whole town is

enriched by her activities."

"How many people understand that passion is the driving force behind long term

goals and real challenges?" wrote Mrs Johnson in her letter of recommendation.

"Most of us operate in a world of commitment, duty, even loyalty, but the rare

individual who is focused and dedicated, who has integrity and intelligence,

makes a true and lasting mark on a community... Janet is a remarkable person."

Mrs Woycik will receive her award at the CLA Annual Convention on April 23 in

Cromwell.