Berks County Public Libraries honored leadership and service excellence during its 23rd Annual Awards Celebration recognizing individuals and organizations for their support of and contributions to area libraries.
The ceremony’s top honor, the Dreisbach Award for Exemplary Service, went to the volunteers who organize and stage the Berks Book Bonanza.
Judy Ellsworth and Sherry Davis of Berks Book Bonanza accept the Berks County Public Libraries’ Dreisbach Award for Exemplary Service from Advisory Board member Mary Ellen Wells. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Presented March 4 at the Library System headquarters in Leesport, the event recognized individuals and organizations for their support and contributions to public libraries in Berks County.
Members of the library community nominated individuals, groups, or events that demonstrated outstanding commitment or service to their library and patrons. The Berks County Public Libraries Advisory Board considered nominations from 2025 and announced the category winners during the ceremony.
Distinguished guests at this year’s event included Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, Rep. Eric Weaknecht, and Steve Howe, constituent specialist to Sen. Scott Martin.
Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock offers opening remarks to a crowd of 70 during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Rep. Rusnock offered opening remarks to the crowd of 70 attendees: “Libraries are truly community hubs, and they are welcoming, supportive environments that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods.”
Howe later presented a certificate to Carol Donahue, director of Village Library of Morgantown, for her win of the Outstanding Library Director Award. Donahue received a certificate from the Office of Sen. Scott Martin.
Director of the Village Library of Morgantown Carol Donahue won Outstanding Library Director and received a
certificate from the Office of Sen. Scott Martin during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. She is pictured with Steve Howe, constituent specialist to Sen. Martin. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Amber Hadley, youth services coordinator for the Brandywine Community Library, and son Zach pose with the Outstanding Teen Program award for the library’s Youth-Led Humanities Grant program (Teen Reading Lounge) during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Leesport Mayor David Reimer Sr. celebrates his win of Outstanding Elected Official with Rep. Eric Weaknecht during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Kutztown Community Library Youth Coordinator Tara Sanders, left, accepted the Outstanding Fundraising Effort Award and Trustee Marsha Olivia, right, received the Outstanding Library
Volunteer Award during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Members of the Hamburg Grange accept the Outstanding Community Organization Award during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Castaneda’s Mexican Restaurant in Robesonia was named the Outstanding Local Business for 2025 during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
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Amber Hadley, youth services coordinator for the Brandywine Community Library, and son Zach pose with the Outstanding Teen Program award for the library’s Youth-Led Humanities Grant program (Teen Reading Lounge) during the 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration on March 4. (Courtesy of Berks County Public Libraries)
Other awards:
• Chet Hagan Memorial Public Relations Award, Boyertown Community Library
• Outstanding Fundraising Effort, 75th anniversary, Kutztown Community Library
• Outstanding Library Volunteer, Marsha Olivia, Kutztown Community Library
• Outstanding Library Staff Member, Kellee Wood, Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library
• Outstanding Elected Official, Leesport Mayor David Reimer Sr.
• Outstanding Community Organization, Hamburg Grange
• Outstanding Teen Program, Youth-Led Humanities Grant (Teen Reading Lounge), Brandywine Community Library
• Outstanding Adult Program, Bestsellers & Baked Goods, Bethel-Tulpehocken
• Outstanding Local Business, Castaneda’s Mexican Restaurant, Robesonia
• Outstanding Youth Program, Children’s 12 Days of Crafting, Reading Public Library