HAMPTON -- Catherine Redden, director of the Lane Memorial Library in Hampton, was recently named the 2005 recipient of the Ann Geisel Award for Distinguished Service to the New Hampshire Library Community.

“Never in a million years did I ever think I’d be getting something like this,” said Redden. “I’m very surprised [and] very humbled by it.”

This award of merit — an engraved pewter plate which was presented during the fall conference of the New Hampshire Library Association (NHLA) — is given annually by the NHLA to recognize librarians who have contributed to the association or to the New Hampshire library community.

Redden was recognized for being an active participant in New Hampshire libraries for almost two decades. Over and above her duties at her own library, she has continually supported librarianship throughout the state and beyond by her willingness to serve on committees, her regular attendance at her area library co-op meetings, at conferences and workshops, and many years of service on the NHLA board, as well as service on the New England Library Association board.

Redden has served two terms as president of the NHLA, the first in 1992 and the latest this past year when a leadership vacancy needed to be filled. Over the years, she has been more than willing to serve on committees that further the profession, most recently being a member of the Pay Equity Task Force. She has also nurtured the library profession by teaching classes, first in the Library Techniques program and more recently in the State Library’s Education Modules.

Redden’s support for the state association extends from her presence on its board to her consistent support of its fundraisers, most notably with her regular donation of a handmade quilt for the auction. Her long career in New Hampshire libraries has been dedicated, professional and nurturing.

Truly a library leader, Redden is recognized throughout the New Hampshire library community as a library advocate, an educator and mentor, and an exceptional librarian.

“It’s probably the best thing that I’ve ever received,” said Redden of the award, “because it’s from my peers.”

This award is named in the memory of Ann Geisel (1947-1999), who personified "distinguished service to the New Hampshire library community.” In addition to serving for many years as the director of the Peterborough Town Library, she served the New Hampshire library community through her service as a member of the NHLA, Nubanusit Library Coop and the NH State Library Advisory Council including a term as its chairman. She was also active in regional and national library issues as a member of the advisory board of the Northeast Document Conservation Center, the American Library Association and the New England Library Association.