We are thrilled to share that our Library Director, Anna Lyle, has just been named the Library Director of the Year by Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS)!
Georgia Public Library Service Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Awards Honoring Public Library Leaders, Staff, Champions, and YOUR LibraryJan. 14, 2025
CONTACT: Deborah Hakes, Georgia Public Library Service, dhakes@georgialibraries.org
The Georgia Public Library Awards honor the outstanding achievements of public library leaders, staff, and champions. For our 10th annual Library Awards, we celebrate Anna Lyle, director of Forsyth County Public Library; Kristen Timoteo, outreach coordinator and branch manager at Coweta Public Library System; Howard Holman, Ohoopee Regional Library board trustee; Dr. Linda Most, associate professor at Valdosta State University (posthumously); and to raise awareness of the importance of all our libraries and the vital role they plan in communities, we are honoring all Georgia public libraries as Library of the Year.
ATLANTA – Georgia Public Library Service is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Georgia Public Library Awards, which honor public libraries and their champions who have made a profound difference in their communities.
“Public libraries are the heart of thriving communities, and they play a vital role in Georgia’s growth, innovation, and excellence,” said Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker. “This year’s honorees demonstrate how our libraries are partners in everything that Georgia does, from strengthening early literacy to building a strong economy.”
Winners are selected from nominations submitted by library patrons, trustees, Friends of Libraries groups, and staff, showcasing the best and brightest who serve in public libraries throughout the state.
Library Director of the Year
Anna Lyle, director of Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL), has been named Georgia Public Library Director of the Year. Known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting her community, Lyle has built a foundation of outreach, partnerships, and innovation that has significantly strengthened Forsyth County’s library services.
After serving FCPL for 16 years in human resources and finance management, Lyle was appointed director in 2015. Under her leadership, the library system has emerged as a model of innovation, community engagement, and educational support, providing children and families with exceptional library services and programs.
“Throughout her tenure, Anna has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate challenges with grace and foresight, always putting the needs of our patrons and staff at the forefront,” said Christy Winters, Forsyth County Public Library board chair. “She has led our library system through significant periods of growth, while ensuring that the services we provide remain relevant and accessible to all.”
Lyle has helped FCPL have one of the highest materials circulation per capita among the state’s library systems for more than 10 years and ensures the diverse and evolving needs of patrons are met through proactive engagement with local businesses, nonprofits, and the broader community.
Key initiatives completed under Lyle’s leadership include:
- The expansion and renovation of the Sharon Forks Library,
- The design and construction of the forthcoming Denmark Library,
- The digitization of The Forsyth County News (1916–2019),
- The introduction of a robust World Languages collection, and
- The design and launch of the FCPL bookmobile, which was one of the first modern mobile libraries in the state.
Letters of nomination highlighted Lyle’s dedication to expanding library programs and strengthening a network of partners that enhances the library’s reach and impact.
For example, Lyle fostered a strong partnership with Mentor Me North Georgia, a nonprofit providing community-based mentoring for students in grades K–12. Recognizing an opportunity for greater support, Lyle enabled Mentor Me to expand its Mentoring After School program year-round by providing library space, helping the organization serve an additional 100 students annually.
“Anna is a no-nonsense, practical, hardworking library director who has accomplished great things for her community,” said Lecia Eubanks, Cherokee Regional Library System director. “She rolls up her sleeves, secures funding for construction projects, and ensures they are managed to completion.”
Lyle’s willingness to share knowledge and foster collaboration has inspired peers across Georgia and strengthened the state’s library community.
“As a library director, Anna has been incredibly generous with her time and expertise to her peers and has served as a mentor in our leadership development program to nurture the next generation. Forsyth County Public Library has been so fortunate to have Anna as their trusted leader,” said Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker.
Lyle will retire in January 2025.
Please join us in congratulating Anna and the other recipients of these prestigious awards! Read more about the GPLS annual library awards and this year's recipients HERE.
 |
| Anna Lyle, 2024 Georgia Public Library Director of the Year Photo credit: Forsyth County Public Library |
Leslie Marinelli
FCPL Communications Manager
No comments:
Post a Comment