In the early 2000s, library donors Dick and Donna Crawford made a commitment of $25,000 to honor Library employees who exemplify the Library’s high standards of public service. This gift created the Dick and Donna Crawford Scholarship Fund, enabling Library employees to pursue continuing education and training opportunities that benefit the Library’s service to the community.
Each year since 2005 the Library Foundation has worked with TSCPL management to distribute this fund to library employees who have been employed 6 months or more. In 2012, the Library Foundation Board approved that there be $1,000 available each year.
This year’s Crawford scholarship winner is: Jessica Fannin!
Jessica is currently a Library Associate. Since 2016 she has been shelving books and assisting patrons with what ever questions they may have.
Supervisor Ruth Rodden commented that Jessica has offered excellent customer service as she works throughout the library as an associate. Most recently she has been working in the curbside location putting in long hours to aid our customers. Jessica continues to learn and grow through archived and online staff trainings. Jessica has an excellent worth ethic, staying engaged in her responsibilities and being attentive to the needs of the department.
Jessica applied for this scholarship specifically to apply toward her Spanish classes at Washburn University.
Jessica states that by doing so she will have a “tremendously important skill-set which will allow me to better communicate with Spanish speaking customers. Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is a place meant for everyone, and if I can make our wonderful library even a bit more welcoming to those who often feel like they are on the outside, then I think I will be doing my job right.”
Congratulations Jessica!
