Bradenton Librarian Named Manatee Employee Of Year

BRADENTON, FL — Described as the "ultimate professional," Braden River Library Supervisor Cathy Laird has been named Manatee County's employee of the year for 2018.

"Cathy is the ultimate professional," declared Deputy Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea. "Her work is outstanding, and she is often the go-to person for supervisors. She leads by example every day."

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You may have come across Laird helping patrons at the 53rd Ave E library, which is the busiest library in Manatee County with 700 visitors each day. She leads a staff of nine librarians and numerous volunteers while also helping patrons with computer problems and serving as a frequent staff trainer.

"Cathy's quiet, calm, unassuming style and unassailable fairness provide outstanding support of both internal and external customers," explained Manatee Neighborhood Services Director and former Library Services Manager Ava Ehde.

"In nearly 20 years with Manatee Libraries, Cathy has proven herself a dedicated, responsible, patient and caring team member," Ehde said. "She exemplifies the ACE (Accountability, Civility & Ethics) philosophy daily."

County officials said Laird also represents the "perfect ambassador" of best in county customer service.

In her 19 years with the library system, Laird has earned the respect and admiration of coworkers, supervisors, staff from other departments and library patrons.

"When Cathy joined the Manatee County Public Library, she brought with her years of experience as a supervisor, children's librarian, cataloger and adult services librarian," county officials said in announcing the honor Thursday. "In her years as branch supervisor, she honed those skills and developed leadership abilities when she was chosen to attend the prestigious Florida Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute in 2012."

Laird reacted to the award with modesty.

"I love the work I do, but don’t feel that I deserve such accolades," she said. "I’ve been in this career for 30 years, 20 of them here with Manatee County. Libraries are such an important benefit to our community, and I am proud to be part of the service Manatee County provides to its residents."

Click here for more information on Manatee County government or call 941-748-4501.

Photo courtesy Manatee County