Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service
Mr. De Long shelving books
(as we estimate he has done for at least 7,800 hours over the years!)
The Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service was created by the Mary Riley Styles Library Foundation to recognize a library staff member or volunteer who has shown the qualities of dedication and public service that exemplify the civic life of Chet De Long. The award, in the amount of $1,000, will be presented to one volunteer or staff member each fall.
Mr. De Long has supported the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in many vital ways over more than 25 years. He served for over 25 years on the Library Board of Trustees. As board member and vice-chairman, he helped to guide library policy, supporting three different library directors. Over the past decade, he was crucial to planning the renovation of the library, including advocacy with the City Council. Mr. De Long also worked as a volunteer at the library for 26 years. For up to 300 hours per year, he has worked behind the scenes at the library, mostly assisting the intake of new material and the deletion of old items, shelving items, and supporting the library's ongoing book sale. Mr. De Long was also a founding member of the MRSPL Foundation. After the organization was established in 2004, he served as Financial Officer and fundraiser for many years.
We honor Chet De Long for his incredible service to our library, and we look forward to celebrating future staff and volunteers in his name!
Mr. De Long has supported the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in many vital ways over more than 25 years. He served for over 25 years on the Library Board of Trustees. As board member and vice-chairman, he helped to guide library policy, supporting three different library directors. Over the past decade, he was crucial to planning the renovation of the library, including advocacy with the City Council. Mr. De Long also worked as a volunteer at the library for 26 years. For up to 300 hours per year, he has worked behind the scenes at the library, mostly assisting the intake of new material and the deletion of old items, shelving items, and supporting the library's ongoing book sale. Mr. De Long was also a founding member of the MRSPL Foundation. After the organization was established in 2004, he served as Financial Officer and fundraiser for many years.
We honor Chet De Long for his incredible service to our library, and we look forward to celebrating future staff and volunteers in his name!
2022 Awardee: Beth Meadows
The award was presented to Beth (pictured holding roses) in front of city council, with Chet De Long, past awardees, and library friends in attendance.
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Beth Meadows started with the library in 2006 as a substitute, moved into the Circulation Department as a part-time Library Assistant I, and transitioned into a librarian position with the Adult Services department in 2015. Beth has always been a person who is willing to help, collaborate with, and support her co-workers and provide excellent customer service to patrons. More recently she has grown to demonstrate innovation and initiative in the library. She has been the point person for the Adult Summer Reading program, worked on the program to provide library materials to homebound patrons, coordinated library outreach with the Falls Church Senior Center, and provided insightful feedback on improving services and programs.
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2021 Awardee: Claudia Gutierrez
Ms. Gutierrez, pictured with award namesake and longtime volunteer Mr. Chet DeLong.
The Foundation selected Claudia from among many worthy and deserving individuals because she reflects the qualities that Chet has brought to library service. She performs all tasks with professionalism and a positive attitude and her kindness and helpfulness contribute greatly to the welcoming, community feel of our library.
Ms. Gutierrez started with the library as a volunteer in 2010. A short time later she secured a job with the circulation department as a library page and quickly rose through the ranks to her current position as the Senior Administrative Assistant for the library and the director. She is known by all as a problem-solver for issues big and small: from securing supplies to building maintenance to filling in at the service desk when an extra hand is needed. Ms. Gutierrez also maintains productive, positive relationships with many City government departments. She is beloved by staff, and the excellence of her work affects all of the staff and patrons at the library.
Ms. Gutierrez started with the library as a volunteer in 2010. A short time later she secured a job with the circulation department as a library page and quickly rose through the ranks to her current position as the Senior Administrative Assistant for the library and the director. She is known by all as a problem-solver for issues big and small: from securing supplies to building maintenance to filling in at the service desk when an extra hand is needed. Ms. Gutierrez also maintains productive, positive relationships with many City government departments. She is beloved by staff, and the excellence of her work affects all of the staff and patrons at the library.
2020 Awardee: Eric Albrecht
Caption: (left to right), Jenny Carroll, Library Director; Eric Albrecht, 2020 De Long Awardee; Chet De Long, long-time library volunteer;
Edward Rose, MRSPL Foundation Board Member
The Mary Riley Styles Library Foundation chose Eric Albrecht as the first recipient of its newly-established Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service to the Library.
Eric was born in Falls Church and has called the city home for over 37 years. He has worked at the library’s circulation desk for 16 years. At the desk he is friendly and thoughtful in his approach to patrons. If someone expresses an interest or need related to any library program or service, Eric takes the time to inform the patron how to access it. This is the kind of professionalism that enhances the welcoming, community feel of our library.
Eric's coworkers know him as patient, supportive, and knowledgeable -- always willing to lend a helping hand. Since coronavirus disrupted our lives this spring, Eric has shown outstanding flexibility, positivity, and supportiveness to other staff members as they worked together to reimagine library services and to improve outreach to patrons. The library values and appreciates this adaptable and service-oriented attitude.
Eric was born in Falls Church and has called the city home for over 37 years. He has worked at the library’s circulation desk for 16 years. At the desk he is friendly and thoughtful in his approach to patrons. If someone expresses an interest or need related to any library program or service, Eric takes the time to inform the patron how to access it. This is the kind of professionalism that enhances the welcoming, community feel of our library.
Eric's coworkers know him as patient, supportive, and knowledgeable -- always willing to lend a helping hand. Since coronavirus disrupted our lives this spring, Eric has shown outstanding flexibility, positivity, and supportiveness to other staff members as they worked together to reimagine library services and to improve outreach to patrons. The library values and appreciates this adaptable and service-oriented attitude.
