Anita Ditz, Head of Children’s Services at the Schlow Centre Region Library in State College is the winner of the 2014 Pennsylvania Library Association’s Distinguished Service Award.
The award recognizes individuals who have given exceptional meritorious service to libraries in the Commonwealth.
Ditz has been a librarian at Schlow Centre Region Library for 30 years. During her tenure, she has formed partnerships with community agencies that led to local awards, six state “Best Practices” citations, and state and national recognition for Schlow’s Family Place program.
Her passion for early learning services raised Schlow Library’s profile in the State College community, and connected it with local sponsors who helped the library develop a full slate of services for children of all ages.
At the state level, Ditz advocated for the creation of a state youth services position in the State Library, a mission that was accomplished in 2001. She has been an active committee member since 2008 for “One Book, Every Young Child,” a reading program that garnered national plaudits for Pennsylvania.
She has also participated in numerous other committees and activities of Commonwealth Libraries and the Pennsylvania Library Association. Overall, Ditz has been a keystone in the growth of library services for young children in Pennsylvania.
A public reception for Ditz will be held at Schlow Centre Region Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St. in State College.
The reception is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
