With a Librarian of the Year Award and a published children’s book in hand, alumna Andrea Legg is soaring in her career as Assistant Director at the Tuscarawas County Public Library System.
Legg obtained her Master’s of Library and Information Science from Kent in 2009. She joined the Tuscarawas County Public Library System in 2010 as Extension & Technical Services Manager before moving to her current position in 2018. Then came the award.
“The fact that my peers -- so many of whom I deeply admire -- nominated and selected me for this award is just incredible to me,” says Legg. “I am sincerely so grateful.”
The Ohio Library Council's Librarian of the Year Award is given annually to an Ohio librarian whose recent accomplishments have impacted the library profession and/or library service to the community. Nominees are expected to exhibit distinguished service in the library community and demonstrate evidence of professional achievements, among other things.
“Winning was certainly an honor I'll never forget,” says Legg. “My job involves many behind-the-scenes elements, and I actually prefer to quietly make a difference.”
Legg also used her time after graduating from Kent to write a children’s book called “Flap Your Wings, Little Robin.”
“The book is about a robin who is different from all the other birds he knows because he cannot sing,” says Legg. “He meets a group of animals in the forest one day -- animals who are known for being loud, like a bear, an owl, and a cricket -- and as they encourage him to find his voice, they realize he is communicating to them in other ways.”
“The robin's wing movements actually mimic American Sign Language, and there is a guide included in the back of the book so children can learn three simple ASL signs,” says Legg. “My goal in writing this book was to teach children that people communicate in so many different ways, and I wanted to encourage them to listen with more than just their ears. It's also a story about how it's okay to be different and that you don't have to change yourself in order for others to accept you.”
Legg is appreciative of her education at Kent, as it led her to a career path and a sense of preparedness.
“Kent's M.L.I.S. program set up a wonderful foundation for me,” says Legg. “I felt more than prepared to enter the job market upon graduating ten years ago, and the knowledge and skills I gained are concepts that I still draw upon today in my current position.”
To buy Legg’s Children’s Book go to: https://www.amazon.com/Flap-Your-Wings-Little-Robin/dp/1684015979
To learn more about Kent State’s Library and Information Science program go to: https://www.kent.edu/iSchool/master-library-information-science