Natalie Bazan, director of the Dorr Township and Hopkins District libraries, has been awarded a national grant to attend the next Small and Rural Library Association’s annual conference later this year.

Bazan is the recipient of this year’s Pat Carterette Professional Development Award.

She obtained her master’s in library science degree from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign and an master of arts from the University of Kansas.

She works hard to expand programming in the library and follows a philosophy of ‘We know not everyone reads, will read or wants to read, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t encourage them to come here and learn something new, explore, and be creative.’ She said the award will give her the chance to work with small and rural librarians from all over the country, share what has worked well in Hopkins and Dorr, “and learn what from a variety of amazing presenters, posters, and networking opportunities.”

PHOTO: Natalie Bazan