The Southeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association (SEPLA) honored Agatha Lyons, District Consultant of the Chester County Library System, with its 2023 Patricia A. Dobbin Award on Friday, December 1.
The prestigious award is given annually to a library employee or resident of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties who demonstrates one or more of the characteristics of outstanding service, exceptional commitment, distinguished leadership, significant contributions, unique ability, and sound judgment.
Lyons has been active across libraries in southeast PA for many years. After her time in Virginia, where she was the Assistant City Librarian for Richmond, she relocated to PA and served as the Director at Aston Public Library. After this, she joined the Chester County Library System as our District Consultant and has been serving in that position for over 14 years.
“Agatha has been the consummate professional serving librarians across Chester County and the region. She is always available for consultation and advice; and works tirelessly to help each library serve its communities to the best of its resources. Beyond being the primary access point for member libraries to communicate with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, she has worked diligently in helping find new Directors and mentoring staff at all levels, all while keeping the needs of the patrons at the forefront of her mind,” said Joe Sherwood, Executive Director of the Chester County Library System.
Jennifer Spade, Director of Honey Brook Community Library, describes Lyons as the most wonderful resource. “She met with me to explain all the parts of the library system and was always very kind to me. I knew if I asked her any question, she would be able to answer it or point me in the right direction. She is patient and really listens to what you need and always gives good advice. She was invaluable to me as a library director when I started, and 8 years later, she is still invaluable to me.”
