YORK COUNTY—York County Public Library’s Michelle Paxton has been recognized by the Virginia Library Association (VLA) as the recipient of the Donna G. Cote Librarian of the Year Award. The award was presented at the VLA conference last week.
According to the VLA website, “The award recognizes exemplary achievement of a working Virginia librarian who has made a significant contribution(s) at any level of librarianship during the nomination period.” The award criteria requires the recipient to hold a Master’s in Library Science or be a certified school/media specialist in Virginia, and to have made a significant contribution to libraries, such as enhancing the image of librarians and/or libraries, advancing community relations, initiating a new library service or program, and more.
Paxton is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Tabb branch of the York County Public Library. While working on her Master of Library Science degree from Texas Womens University, she worked part-time at the York County Public Library and Hampton Public Library, and also held an internship with the Newport News Public Library. She earned her Master’s degree in 2019. Before joining York County, Paxton was a Youth Librarian at Norfolk Public Library.
“Michelle is a consummate professional and a valuable member of the York County Public Library team,” said Library Director Kevin Smith. “She is well-deserving of this award and we are very proud of her and the work she has done. She is an excellent example of a 21st century librarian.”