For more than nine years, Islip High School library media specialist Gina Seymour has been helping students embrace their love of literacy while also assisting in providing reference services to both staff and students. Due to her commitment, the Suffolk School Library Media Association has selected Ms. Seymour as the 2014 School Librarian of the Year.

“It is such a great honor to be named Librarian of the Year by the Suffolk School Library Media Association, such an esteemed organization of dedicated professionals,” said Ms. Seymour. “The work I do at Islip High School incorporates a commitment to excellence in fostering literacy skills and nurturing students’ interests in literature while supporting Common Core Standards in innovative ways. Receiving this award is a testament to the collaboration among the educators at Islip High School and our close partnership to develop an interactive curriculum that incorporates technology, social media and other new ways to promote a culture of reading.”

Amy Jo Southworth, library media specialist at Bay Shore High School, president of the SSLMA and the 2013 recipient of the American Association of School Librarians’ Frances Henne Award, nominated Ms. Seymour for the award. This award recognizes the excellent work that is carried out in school libraries every day, and highlights the best practice of an individual whose work is outstanding.

Ms. Seymour will be honored as the SSLA’s annual awards dinner and author visit on May 8 at the Beachtree Café in East Islip.