At the Oregon Library Association conference in April, Traci Glass of Eugene Public Library was honored with the 2013 OYEA! award, recognizing her “positive and significant contribution to teens in libraries in the state of Oregon.”
Glass has served as Teen Services Librarian at Eugene Public Library since 2006. In addition to her work managing the Library’s Young Adult collection and connecting individual teens with books to match their interests and skills, Glass coordinates events for teens. These include ongoing programs such as the volunteer Teen Team and monthly Teen Book Group, as well as special events ranging from talks by nationally best-selling Young Adult authors to a Harry-Potter-themed rock concert.
Glass also presents at conferences and writes about her field as a contributor to the Register-Guard, School Library Journal, Graphic Novel Reporter, and USA Today’s pop culture blog, Pop Candy.
Teen library patrons, as well as colleagues, wrote letters in support of Glass’ nomination. High school student Morgan Vauk credits Glass for “opening so many doors in my life,” leading from participation in Teen Book Group to volunteering at the Library to serving as youth representative on the City of Eugene Library Advisory Board. Says Vauk, “She has also helped me aspire to new heights in my academics, encouraging me to aim high and far.”
The OYEA! honor is given annually by the Oregon Young Adult Network (OYAN). OYEA! is an acronym for OYAN You’re Excellent Award.