State’s first black public library director honored

The Georgia Council for Public Libraries recently announced recipients of its annual awards. Among the honorees is LeRoy Childs, the state’s first black public library director.

Other awards include Library of the Year Award which has been awarded to Okefenokee Regional Library System; Librarian of the Year is Stephen Houser, director of Twin Lakes Library System; and Library Champion of the Year is Dr. Gordon Baker, who most recently served as a library trustee and board chair at Henry County Public Library and whose career in libraries spans more than 40 years.

Throughout his career, Childs was active in the formation of state and national library policy.

He was director of the West Georgia Regional Library System from 1976-1986, having begun his career there in 1951 as the bookmobile librarian before becoming a branch manager from 1951-1967, assistant director from 1967-1974, and deputy director from 1974-1976. Childs served as treasurer of the Georgia Library Association before becoming the first black president elect in 1986. He also served as chairperson of the Georgia Council of Public Libraries. He was appointed by Governor Joe Harris to serve on the Georgia committee for the White House Conference of Libraries.

Childs served tirelessly to improve the reach and capacity of libraries by helping to shape policy. His life was rich with acts of service.

This year’s winners will be recognized at a ceremony during the Georgia Council for Public Libraries’ annual Public Library Day at the Georgia Capitol at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and at individual ceremonies across the state.

Nominations for the Georgia Public Library Service-sponsored awards were submitted by public library directors and staff, library supporters, trustees and the general public.