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Teen services librarian wins state award

Becky VanDenBerg definitely doesn't fit any traditional image of a quiet, somber, reserved librarian. She has magenta and gold streaks in her hair. Her small office is cluttered with colorful posters, including one of her that is a mish-mash of Star Wars, Star Trek, and Harry Potter themes.

In another poster, she puts on a studious face with a thought bubble saying, "Censorship is a four letter word." Another poster has colorful fireworks and the words, "Well done Becky! We love you!" Tiny animal figures occupy flat surfaces. There's a replica wand from the Harry Potter series.

VanDenBerg is the teen services manager at the Pine River Library in Bayfield. In October she was recognized by the Colorado Association of Libraries for Excellence in Youth Services for the State of Colorado. She was nominated by office mate Brooke Smith. Smith and Library Director Shelley Walchak found people to write letters of recommendation.

VanDenBerg, Smith, Darcy Poletti-Harp, and Library Assistant Director Brenda Marshall went to Loveland in mid-October for the award presentation.

The awards program said, "Because of librarian Becky VanDenBerg's achievements, teens in Bayfield, Colo., experience a welcoming, informative, enriching, and supportive environment every day at the Pine River Library. Daily STEAM activities, daily snacks, outdoor activities including gardening, and once a week gaming bring them in the door. Thus welcomed, teens encounter a mentor, an encourager, a homework helper, and a friend in Becky."

VanDenBerg said she's been at the library for four years as of September. She has a degree in English. "Probably my love of books prompted me to try out for this job," she said. She was first hired as a circulation assistant. Before the library re-opened from major remodeling and an addition in 2013, she was promoted to the teen services position.

Asked if she has kids of her own, she said four - two dogs and two cats. "Depending on how you look at it, I have 600 kids. That's how many are at the mid and high school. We get at least 30 to 80 in here every day."