The Killingworth Library Board is proud to announce that Shelly Cumpstone is the winner of the 2007 Association of Connecticut Library Boards' (ACLB) Appreciation Award. Shelly was recognized for her many years of service to the Killingworth Library  at the annual ACLB's Conference Luncheon. The award ceremony was held on October 12th at Water's Edge in Westbrook. 
 
 With a full-time staff of three librarians and two part-time assistants, KLA relies heavily on volunteers. In the midst of a vibrant volunteer program, Shelly Cumpstone has proven a dynamo of dedication and consistently outstanding performance for  fifteen years.

Shelly joined the Killingworth Library Board of Directors in November of 1993 and became an integral part of the Building Fund Campaign. With a clear vision, she brought her organizational skills and the Killingworth community together. Canvassing the town with neighborhood captains, Shelly and her teams helped raise the money that brought the new library building from blueprint to reality. Richard Blythe, board president at the time, said of her efforts, "The library would eventually have been completed, but with Shelly's enthusiasm, which spilled over to the other members of the board, it was completed much more quickly." Retired Head Librarian, Ginny Chapman, said of Shelly's fundraising efforts, "When something was needed, she helped provide it. She was always there and always doing something."

Serving as the fundraising chairperson on the library board for several years, Shelly helped organize annual balls and auction events, and house and garden tours. Most recently, Library Board President, Nancy Bradley, asked Shelly if she would run a major fundraiser. "She hesitated all of three seconds before saying yes and suggesting a golf tournament in memory of a recently deceased board member," Nancy said. We've now had two very successful John P. Hine, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournaments under Shelly's direction, and plans are in the works for a third.

While on the library board, Shelly served a term as president and one as secretary. She has done a weekly shift covering the circulation desk for many years as well. During this time, Shelly has raised a family, run the family business, Winterberry Farm, with her husband, and been a member of the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Authority. She also referees and plays soccer.

The Energizer Bunny has nothing on Shelly Cumpstone. As far as the Killingworth Library is concerned, her dedication and hard work are gifts that keep on giving.


Pictured: Head Librarian Tammy Eustis; Retired Head Librarian, Ginny Chapman; Board President, Nancy Bradley and Shelly Cumpstone. Photos courtesy H. Mahoney