Debbie Myers awarded NMLA Amigo Award

2018 Winner for New Mexico Library Association's Amigo Award:

 Debbie Myers, Capitan Public Library

 The New Mexico Library Amigo Award is given to an individual
 (friend, volunteer, trustee, board member, other citizen, or other
 non-certified personnel) whose work on behalf of the local library
 has resulted in significant progress and/or achievement for that 
library; or in recognition of work in the promotion of library
 service within the state.

Even before she retired from 25 years of teaching elementary children in Ruidoso, Debbie Myers began volunteering with the Capitan Public Library Children's Library in 2005.  She took charge of offering after-school programs and the annual Summer Reading program.

Debbie continues to create weekly programs offered year round.  She took charge of selecting and ordering the children's books for the library catalogue.  She instantly became a vitally necessary member in the volunteer library.

Debbie creates special-themed sales to occur throughout the year to raise money for the 100% self-supporting, non-profit library. Two annual sales are the first weekend of May Plant Sale and the first Saturday of December Holiday Bazaar.   These sales are successful due to her diligent search for excellent items for the public to purchase, including making her own crafts and pottery to donate.
 
The Capitan community and outlying communities enjoy a beautiful library that is well-staffed by volunteers and offers many programs for all patrons, especially children, thanks to Debbie Myers.

At the award ceremony on November 1 in Albuquerque during the NMLA Annual Conference, Debbie took the opportunity to recognize her parents, Carol and Dwight Myers, for years of their involvement with the NMLA.  They both had the highest honor  given by NMLA --a Lifetime Membership -- since 1988.  In the 70's the Myers started the N.M. Book League and its magazine, Book Talk.  Carol was the sales manager for University of New Mexico Press for 15 years while also serving the NMLA as its treasurer and newsletter publisher. Dwight worked for book publisher Prentice Hall for 35 years as well as serving on the NMLA Board as Awards and Education Chair. 

Tom Mann of the Capitan Library  introduces Debbie Myers
at the NMLA Awards Ceremony

Many in the audience remembered the Myers and were pleased to see their daughter recognized for her work in the library public service industry.

Well deserved, Miss Debbie!  Congratulations!