Friday, December 10, 2004

When Ferris Van Meter walked into the Bowling Green Public Library on Thursday night, she knew shed be receiving the 2004 Franklin Award. But she didnt expect the friends, family, refreshments and holiday spirit that awaited her.

Van Meter, a longtime supporter and former acting chairwoman of the librarys board of trustees, received the annual award for her dedication and service to the library. During a brief ceremony in her honor, library Director Alisa Carmichael expressed her gratitude to Van Meter for helping steer the library through several important projects, including the establishment of the Depot Branch and the renovation of the main branch.

Shes never shied away from representing this library, Carmichael said.

The award is named for Benjamin Franklin, one of the nations first benefactors of public libraries. Van Meter is the third recipient of the award.

This award recognizes people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to be benefactors to the library and the community, Carmichael said.

Van Meter was also honored by Bowling Green Mayor-elect Elaine Walker, who has served on the library board, and Bob Kirby, the 2003 award recipient.

Weve served during very difficult and trying times, but very rewarding times, Kirby said. I cant think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Van Meter was a member of the librarys board of trustees from 1997 to 2001, serving as acting chairwoman for a time before Carmichael took over as director. She now serves on the librarys advisory council. She was instrumental in establishing the librarys partnership with the Southern Kentucky Festival of Books and creating the librarys endowment fund.

An alumna of Western Kentucky University, Van Meter is an associate vice president and financial adviser with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. She also serves on Westerns Kentucky Museum Advisory Board and the National Leadership Committee.

There are a lot of people here I respect and know well, and a lot of people I love dearly, Van Meter said.

As she admired the Christmas decorations and smiling faces around her, Van Meter said she couldnt take all the credit for the librarys accomplishments in the past few years. None of it could have happened without the creative vision of all the staff and volunteers, she said.

I think weve all showed whats best about our community that we can join together and accomplish big things, she said.

 Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700