The Association of Philadelphia School Libraries

"Irene Garson Librarian of the Year Award"

By Magna Diaz

This award came about because of the special work of one exceptional school librarian: Irene Garson. She was a librarian who stood out among school librarians. She was a true advocate of school libraries who dedicated her time to creating an excellent school library programs for our children. Irene had style and grace, and she was kind to everyone. She always made you feel welcomed and valued.

Irene was a mentor to many of us. She freely gave help and advice to any librarian in need. I met her in 1986 at a Home & School meeting. My daughter, who is now a teacher herself, was a school Library Aide and spoke about the wonderful school librarian at Masterman School. When I met Irene I was working for the Free Library of Philadelphia, but after talking with her I decided to join the ranks of the Philadelphia School District librarians. I admit that it was not the easiest transition but with Irene’s help, advice and guidance I was slowly able to establish my school library program.

In 1987 Irene Garson left Masterman and transferred to Harding Middle School. She ran a very successful library technology program when technology was still a new innovation. She had a computer lab at her school when it was still in it’s infancy and the Internet was not as sophisticated. On many occasions she invited many of us over to see the new computer technology she had acquired. Irene knew that computer technology was the wave of the future.

I was able to continue my friendship with Irene when she, Tina Weinraub, and I took various college classes together. We had fun and during the break when we would talk and share stories. That is how I learned about The Association of School Librarians (APSL).

Irene and Tina were both on the APSL board and they spoke highly of the APSL association. Irene was an advocate for the association. She was constantly recruiting school librarians for the association. In 1989 Irene became the APSL president, and in the January 1989 issue of the APSL newsletter she wrote, “Our strength comes from our expertise.” Irene was a firm believer
that we could make a big difference our schools.

Just before Irene stepped down from the presidency of APSL she addressed the association through the newsletter once again. In the spring issue of 1990 she wrote a short president’s message.

“Dear Colleagues,

Happy New Decade! When I think of the 1990’s. I think of how much libraries have changed since the 1960’s when I started my school library career. Who would have believed that the computer would play such an important part in our professional and personal lives? I wonder what technology is yet to come that we now cannot fathom?

Wherever innovation may take us in the 90’s, school librarians will never become obsolete. And where there are Philadelphia School librarians, there will always be the Association of Philadelphia School Librarians. For eighteen years, APSL has striven to promote the exchange of ideas among librarians, educators and the literary world.” Frequently I hear from librarians who tell me that “APSL should do this,” or “Why doesn’t APSL do that?” APSL is only as effective and active as its members are. APSL is you! Come out to meetings and programs and resolve to get involved in the 1990’s.

Irene Garson -
President - Spring of 1990”

After her presidency Irene stayed on the board as the corresponding secretary from 1991 to 1994. She saw the many changes that occurred in our school libraries. When the school library program was threatened, Irene helped start the adhoc committee. For the first time in many years APSL, became very politically involved in advocating and defending the school library program in front of the school board and anyone else who would listen. Irene was committed to the cause, even if it meant there would be repercussions and there were many difficult times in the association but the association survived and triumphed.

In June of 1995 we celebrated our APSL dinner and as usual Irene was there with us to celebrate another successful year. Then on August 12, 1995, a few weeks before school started, we came together to honor and mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Irene Garson.

We never had the chance to honor this exceptional librarian in her life for all the dedication, time, love and energy that she gave to the Philadelphia school library program and the APSL association. In the fall of 1995, during the first APSL meeting, we felt that the APSL’s Librarian of the Year Award already established should be renamed the Irene Garson Librarian of the Year Award in her honor. In this way we would keep her memory alive to remind us “where there are Philadelphia School librarians, there will always be the Association of Philadelphia School Librarians to promote excellence in our school library programs.”

Past Awardees of the "Irene Garson Librarian of the Year Award"