Fairfax Bookmobile Driver is Employee of Year

The Marin County Board of Supervisors Tuesday honored long-time Fairfax resident Terry Jones as the County of Marin 2011 Employee of the Year. Terry, a Community Librarian Specialist who drives the Bookmobile for the Marin County Free Library, was previously recognized as one of 12 “Employees of the Month” this past year, but was given the top award for her outstanding service to the public.

“Terry was awarded this honor because she demonstrated a consistent level of excellence, enthusiasm, innovation, commitment, and willingness to go the extra mile. Terry stands out as an exemplary Employee of the Year” said Marin County Board of Supervisors President Steve Kinsey.

Jones, who has worked for the Marin County Free Library for the past eight years, has operated the Bookmobile for six years. She drives the 29 foot-long vehicle, stocked with 2,500 materials (books, dvds, cds), spreading reading materials throughout Marin County and to commuters at the Larkspur Ferry Landing. She estimates that she has delivered over 25,000 items from the Bookmobile throughout Marin.

“It’s a privilege to serve the community in which I’ve lived since 1957,” said Jones. “Libraries all over Marin County make wonderful things happen each and every day - we help babies with their first books, see children learn to read, share the fun of story times, and assist seniors who continue to enjoy books well into their nineties and above! It’s a real pleasure to bring these services to communities all over Marin County in the Bookmobile.”

As part of her duties, Jones provides reading recommendations at assisted living homes, hosts story-time at numerous West Marin ranches, schools and the Farmer’s Market and has provided many other valuable services that patrons have appreciated.

“Terry always has a friendly smile and demonstrates a positive attitude in any circumstance,” said Gail Haar, Director of the Marin County Free Library. “Terry demonstrates an energetic willingness to help out and be flexible in serving the public, no matter how unique or unusual the need.”

The Bookmobile program has been operating since 1948 (and is the oldest Bookmobile service in California) and serves over 5,000 library members.

-- from the Marin County Supervisors Staff