GULF SHORES, Ala. — Orange Beach Public Library and the Thomas B. Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores were among nine Alabama libraries honored at the 2009 annual Alabama Library Association Convention. 

During the Public Library Division Breakfast on April 10 Kathy Johnson delivered certificates of recognition and a letter from Gov. Riley praising the libraries as recipients of the Blue Ribbon Award. 

The Blue Ribbon Award is sponsored by the Alabama Public Library Service and the Alabama Library Association. 

Johnson noted, “This is the highest distinction given to public libraries for excellence in library service” and “To date, only nine public libraries in Alabama have been recognized for this award.”

Johnson is the director of the Governor’s Alabama Broadband Initiative. 

Orange Beach Public Library was the first library in the state to receive the Blue Ribbon Award, awarded to the first director, Marsha Owens in 1999. 

Betty Wyman was the director of the Thomas B. Norton Public Library, the second library in the state to be recognized in 2000. 

Wendy Congiardo, director of the Thomas B. Norton Public Library and Bonnie Lee, director of the Orange Beach Public Library accepted the certificates on behalf of their libraries. 

Congiardo stated she is, “Awed to be in such distinguished company across the state, and hopes this affirmation of the value of the library bolsters our support.” 

Lee added, “It is truly an honor to have Gov. Riley publically recognize the importance of public libraries to our state.”