Ruth Barker of the Southeast Regional Library was presented with the Frances Morrison Award, by the president of the Saskatchewan Libraries Association, Michael Shires, at a gathering of librarians from the southeast on Monday at the Grace Upper Hall.
This is an award of merit for outstanding services to libraries, given in the name of one of Saskatchewan’s exceptional librarians, and is only given when it is merited, not necessarily every year.
“I feel very honoured to receive this. There are many people who are much more worthy of this than I am,” she said in accepting the award in front of the audience of librarians from all of the branches in the southeast region.
In presenting the award on behalf of the Saskatchewan Libraries Association, Shires said Barker is an advocate for life-long learning, and has worked to ensure family literacy is addressed through the local library branches in the southeast. He noted she also has a commitment to reconciliation and maintaining good relations with the First Nations residents of the southeast region through the local library branches.
Barker noted that prior to working at the regional library system, she was at home raising young children. When she was ready to go back to work, she had the choice of two different positions to pursue.
“I had to choose which one was going to give me the greatest ability to connect with the community,” she said, noting when the regional library created a community resources coordinator, she felt it was the perfect role for her to step into.
“I have loved every minute of it,” said Barker, noting she plans to stay as long as she can. “I love working with the staff we have at headquarters. They support me, encourage me and challenge me, and that works well for me.”
