BYU-Idaho Radio · Local Librarian Named Idaho Librarian of the Year
A librarian at the Idaho Falls Public Library is Idaho’s Librarian of the Year. Beth Swenson serves as the assistant director over public services for the library. The Idaho Library Association honors one librarian in the state who has “outstanding vision, leadership skills, and dedication to excellence while benefitting Idaho Libraries,” according to a news release.
Swenson is a BYU-Idaho alumna who told BYU-Idaho Radio she graduated with her history degree and decided she loved working at libraries, so went on to get a master’s degree and now works at the Idaho Falls Public Library. She said she loves to read herself and that kept her working at libraries.
“I love being able to share that love of reading with others and helping parents to spark that in their children and just books, that’s my favorite part, and the people,” she said.
Swenson received the ILA’s award on April 16 during a virtual conference. She was the chair of the conference and also recently received the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Under 40 Award. She’s honored to be among the list of Idaho Librarians of the Year.
“I know a lot of the other people who have won it and it’s weird to think that I’ve joined their ranks, but it is such an honor. I’m flabbergasted, really,” she said.
As an assistant director at the library, Swenson is in charge of the customer experience at the library. She loves interacting with the public and helping them learn more about the services at the library.
During the pandemic, the Idaho Falls Public Library closed from March to May. But reopened on May 5, 2020. The library hasn’t had its in-person groups but has been able to provide the basic library services, including online services. Now the library is waiting for word from the health department and the mayor on when they can restart other in-person services.
“When they give us the go-ahead, we’ve got some ideas. We’ll be very excited to get back to it,” Swenson said.
The library will have its summer reading program starting up soon. For more information about the library and its current programs, click here.