Gainesville, Fla. – The Alachua County Library District and Library Specialist Ann Le Zotte received accolades on Friday, Sept. 11 from the Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN). Le Zotte received NEFLIN’s Member of the Year Award for providing inclusive programs to underserved children and teens, particularly patrons with disabilities and the LGBTQ community.
The Library District received the Making the Most of NEFLIN 2020 Award for dedication to training and continuing education. NEFLIN is a nonprofit training and research organization that serves 550 libraries in 24 counties throughout northeast Florida.
“We’re proud to receive this award for our commitment to training for all our employees,” said Library District Director Shaney T. Livingston. “We’re also happy to see Ann Le Zotte honored for her outstanding work across the Library District.”
Le Zotte, who is deaf, has led multiple American Sign Language classes and built partnerships with groups including PFLAG Gainesville and Noah’s Endeavor, Inc., a local nonprofit that fosters recreational opportunities for children of all abilities and disabilities. Le Zotte continues to offer programming through her Sign Language Fun videos teaching ASL signs and songs for all ages.
“It is my pleasure to serve all our communities and our populations,” Le Zotte said in a video accepting the NEFLIN award.
For more information, please contact Rachel Cook at 352-334-3909 or rcook@aclib.us.