Congratulations to the 2009 Suffolk B.E.S.T. Award winner Kristen Fisher, John Jermain Memorial Library. Winners of the B.E.S.T. Award were honored at the Long Island Library Conference on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

The B.E.S.T. Award is given annually to honor a teen that has made a significant contribution to library services. The B.E.S.T. Award is sponsored jointly by the Young Adult Services Divisions of the Suffolk and Nassau County Library Associations.

A commemorative plaque is awarded to a teen winner in each county, as well as a $150 stipend. Each nominee receives a certificate of appreciation and letter of commendation by the B.E.S.T. Award Committee. The winners are selected by a committee of the Young Adult Services Divisions of the Nassau and Suffolk County Library Associations. All entries will remain the property of those divisions.

To be eligible for the B.E.S.T. Award, the teen must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Nassau or Suffolk County resident.
• Be a volunteer, employee or other affliliate of any library related organization.
• Have a library sponsor.
• Submit sponsor recommendation that demonstrates significant contribution to library services.
• Must be between 13 and 19 years of age.

Brian Schwartz (YASD Vice President) and Pat Brandt (Circulation Director at John Jermain Memorial Library) accepting award on behalf of 2009 Suffolk B.E.S.T. Award winner Kristin Fisher.

Past B.E.S.T. Award Winners

2008: Rebecca Goldstein, Longwood Public Library
2007: Christian Escudero, Bayport-Blue Point Public Library