Athens Regional Library System invites to public to a celebration on Friday, April 21, honoring Children’s Services Coordinator Rebecca Ballard, who was named Georgia’s Public Library Employee of the Year for 2022.
"Miss Rebecca - as she's known to our patrons - is such an asset to our library! With her creativity, talent, knowledge and skills, she is an enthusiastic champion of childhood and family literacy,” said Valerie Bell, executive director of the Athens Regional Library System. “She has touched many lives in her years at the Athens Regional Library System, and we are beyond thrilled for her contributions to be recognized with this award."
Ballard began her library career at the Athens-Clarke County Library working in educational technology, teaching and assisting patrons with computers and software. When a position in children's services opened, Rebecca began developing new programs highlighting music and puppetry. She relocated a few years later to the Oconee County Library to serve as the Children's Services manager, developing creative library programming and increasing children's program attendance by 400 percent. Currently, she serves as regional Children's Services coordinator for the Athens Regional Library System and serves as president of the Georgia Library Association for 2023.
Ballard will be celebrated in a local ceremony on Friday, April 21, from 3-5 p.m. at Athens-Clarke County Library. A reception will follow.
The Athens-Clarke County Library, located at 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, is the headquarters branch of the Athens Regional Library System. The library system was previously named 2017 Georgia Public Library of the Year. Visit athenslibrary.org for information about library programs and services.