DECEMBER 9, 2015
Chandler’s Cultural Affairs Director honored with Distinguished Service Award by the Arizona Library Association
CHANDLER – Brenda Brown, City of Chandler Cultural Affairs Director, was awarded the Arizona Library Association’s (AzLA) Newton and Betty Rosenzweig Distinguished Service Award on Nov. 19, 2015, at the organization’s annual conference.
Brown received the award in recognition of her more than 25 years of passion and commitment to public service on behalf of Arizona libraries. She served as AzLA President in 2002, chaired the Arizona Legislative Committee for AzLA for ten years and has led City of Chandler libraries since 2004. She is currently the Chair of the Advisory Board of the Arizona State Library, serving as champion for statewide library services, and continues to lead the Chandler library system while also serving in a new role as Cultural Affairs Director.
“Our libraries are our communities,” says Brown. “We are community learning centers. We are place makers. We champion critical needs, such as early literacy. We are creative cultural catalysts. We level several playing fields at one time. We are accessible. We are connected. We are boundless.”
The Newton and Betty Rosenzweig Distinguished Service Award is presented to a layperson or librarian who is a member of AzLA, with an emphasis on the person having made an effective change regionally or statewide. This includes promotion of libraries and their services, active advocacy, mentorship, significant contributions to the future of librarianship as a profession and raising the profile of libraries.
“Brenda’s work is outstanding,” says Chandler’s Acting City Manager Marsha Reed. “She is a passionate leader making an impact in our community and state. This honor and distinction is well deserved. The City of Chandler is very fortunate to have her as part of our leadership team."
