Dennis Eickhoff is shown with Northern New York Library Network Executive Director John Hammond.

COLTON -- Colton Hepburn Library Director Dennis Eickhoff was recently presented with the 23rd annual Award for Excellence in Library Service by the Northern New York Library Network.

Eickhoff has worked to improve the Colton Hepburn Library and support opportunities for the youth and elderly in the community.

To earn the award, nominees most have contributed to open access to information for all and the encouragement of reading and creation of inducements to greater use of library materials. The nominees must also contribute to the enhancement and expansion of library service to the community and the strengthening of the library's role and position in the community.

“For years Dennis has been interested and involved with the Library; as a high school volunteer, as a trustee, and now as director,” a letter of nomination stated. “Dennis knows our patrons and they feel very comfortable in asking for his help in finding materials or getting help with using the computers.”

“Dennis has worked hard to bring the library to the children of the Colton-Pierrepoint school by hosting their class visits and supporting them as library members,” another letter reported. “Dennis has reached out to our elderly by partnering with the Office of Aging to deliver library materials to our less mobile patrons

“In 2012 Dennis applied to have our library designated as an historic building on the state and federal registries. We received acceptance for the library on both registers last spring,” a nomination stated. “As well as being an appropriate honor for such an exquisite building, this designation allows us to apply for grants to fund the library which were previously unavailable to us.”