A second name has been added to the plaque that hangs in the lobby of the Jaffrey Public Library – library assistant for lifelong learning Eileen Eber of Greenfield.
The Jaffrey Public Library Board of Trustees’ Employee Excellence Award “recognizes an employee who has meaningfully contributed to the ability of the library to achieve its mission to serve as a community resource for lifelong learning. The recipient’s actions, commitment and professionalism allow our library to serve as a model for our region, state and the nation, demonstrating how public libraries have a powerful impact on the future economic and social vitality of rural communities.”
Eber received the award from Trustee Board Chair John Stone in a surprise celebration in the library that included trustees, staff, patrons and Eber’s family and friends.
Library Director Julie Perrin made the move to Jaffrey in December 2016, Eber assisted with the transition in Greenfield before applying for an open position and joining the Jaffrey team in September of 2017. A retired professional educator, Eber assumed programming and circulation roles to support lifelong learning in Jaffrey.
Eber was an active team member and mentor for younger staff before COVID, leading weekly story times, a monthly book club for preschoolers called My First Book Club and starting a weekly mahjong group for adults, as well as providing circulation services and program support for all ages. She embraced new technology during COVID in order to continue all of those programs without interruptions.
In her recommendation letter to the board, Perrin wrote, “Eileen’s calm leadership serves us all, myself included, and brings a warmth and patience to every patron and staff interaction. During recent staffing challenges, Eileen has stood above all in her willingness to sub extra hours, take on new duties, mentor young staff members, and lead new volunteers. She is a role model for every member of this team. When I am at a loss, I always ask myself ‘What would Eileen do?”