Air Force officials announce library of the year winner Published June 26, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- Air Force Library Program officials announced the winner of the Air Force Library of the Year award June 12 here. The Eglin Base Library, with an eight-man staff, was recignized for their outstanding customer focus and satisfaction. "Even in times of scarce budgets, we still aim to fulfill our obligation to the community as a center for knowledge and growth," said Donna Holovack, the library director. The library staff accomplishes this through innovative programs and events such as hosting authors for questions and answers sessions. The library also created 25 educational summer reading programs for all ages which efforts logged approximately 1,000 participants in just three months, officials said. "We really want people to come and utilize the resources we have here," Mrs. Holovack said. "If we don't have something they need, we'll request for an inter-library loan and get it from somewhere else." With approximately 55,000 items logged in its inventory and 22 computers, the library serves as a focal point for expansion of understanding and development. The library also provides a secured College Level Examination Program and DVD study resources to motivate Airmen to pursue education. While the staff has services available to everyone, they recently shifted their focus to include servicemembers who are deployed or deploying, and their families. "We understand how difficult times can be when families are separated by deployment," said Dorothee Bennett, a library technician. "This is why we've opened up a new section which caters to all aspects of deployment issues." "We want to make the library a place where one can go to learn, relax or research," Mrs. Bennett said. With sections provided to accommodate the needs or wants for Airmen and families, the library will continue serving the community as a haven for those seeking knowledge and development, officials said. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page