New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Librarian’s cardboard challenge honored
SHELTON — Maura Gualtiere’s unique approach to recycling a massive amount of cardboard has proven to be an award winner.
Late last year, Gualtiere, Plumb Memorial Library’s Children’s Department head, called on families to use cardboard — left over as part of the library’s renovation — to participate in the library’s first cardboard challenge, inspired in part by Shelton author Chad Sell’s “Cardboard Kingdom.”
The result left the library’s Children’s Department filled with various cardboard projects — from a dragon to a drum set, a Ferris wheel to the Grinch stealing a Christmas tree.
And for her effort, Gualtiere earned the Connecticut Library Board’s Faith Hektoen Award, an honor bestowed on a children’s librarian who created an outstanding program that made a significant impact on library service.
“This is truly humbling,” said Gualtiere. “I am grateful to be recognized.
Gualtiere said the award is a group effort.
“This is not about me. I am happy to receive this
honor because it just further shines a light on the wonderful work of all children’s librarians,” she said. “We are all doing
this to help people … to let them know there is an amazing community place where they can come and feel welcome,
included, heard and seen.”
Plumb Memorial Library’s adult reference department – located in
the main section of the building – had been under renovation since March. Part of the renovation required all the books be boxed and moved to the meeting room just off the Children’s Department.
When the books were recently unpacked and placed back on the shelves, Stokes said that left about 600 cardboard boxes that needed to be recycled.
The idea of a cardboard challenge stemmed from a children’s graphic novel series called “The Cardboard Kingdom” by Sell, and the fact that Plumb had many empty cardboard boxes.
“It was a brilliant way to bring families together, take them away from the devices and do something fun while celebrating reading and our renovations,” said Plumb Memorial Library Director Joan Stokes, who recommended Gualtiere for the award.
In her recommendation, Stokes noted how Gualtiere’s project showed how reading can spark creativity in a variety of ways.
“This year she has gone above and beyond in her commitment to the children and parents she serves,” Stokes added, “and found innovative, cost effective and creative ways to provide exceptional programming during our library renovation.”