Spearman recognized for Sanbornton library work

Russ Spearman is receiving statewide recognition for his work on the Sanbornton Public Library Board of Trustees. On Tuesday, June 19, the local community hosted a tribute dinner at the Lane Tavern where

Spearman was presented with the New Hampshire Library Trustee Association's Trustee of the Year Award. The award is given annually in recognition of outstanding service to the library community as a trustee.

According to Linda VanValkenburgh, the current chair of the board of trustees, "The Association has over 1,000 paid members, so it is a tremendous accomplishment and fitting testimony to the wonderful service

that Russ has given to the library and the community over the years."

Spearman was first elected to the board in 1975 and has served almost continuously since then, gaining strong support from Sanbornton's voters every year he came up for election. During that time he has helped oversee the growth of the institution from a library open 16 hours per week with a budget of $3,250 to one open 35 hours per week with a budget over $100,000.

Over 50 guests attended the dinner, including friends and family, library trustees, and longtime library supporters. The following local political representatives were also present and rose to convey their thanks and

congratulations to Spearman: State Senator Deborah Reynolds, State Representatives Gail Morrison and William Tobin, and Town Selectmen Andrew Livernois and Steve Ober.

Several of the speakers expressed particular gratitude for the long hours that Spearman contributed to the new addition project. As chair of the library's building committee and Clerk of the Works, he consulted

extensively with library patrons, abutters, architects, the construction team, and a variety of Town officials during the course of a multi-year design and build process. "This project has had so many hurdles to overcome and Russ has been absolutely determined to see it through to the end," said

VanValkenburgh. "He truly has been indispensable from day one."

The award was presented by Lillian Edelmann, past president of the New Hampshire Library Trustee Association and NHLTA Board Secretary Ann Fabrizio. Edelmann spoke about Spearman's accomplishments and dedication to volunteerism in Sanbornton. She referred to her travels around the state and country, and commented that Sanbornton residents should be exceedingly proud of the library's accomplishments in such a small town.