Gainesville, Fla. – Hawthorne Branch Librarian Guylene Resue received the 15th annual Guy Hudspeth Award from the Alachua County Library District Foundation this spring for making the branch an integral part of the community over her 20-year tenure.
The foundation added Resue’s name to Katherine’s Tree, a 10-foot glass etching of the Tree of Knowledge
standing in Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave. Each leaf represents a $2,000 gift to the foundation’s endowment fund, which supports library services and facilities. Nine honorees and donors also joined Resue on the tree this year.
The Guy Hudspeth Award, sponsored by the Kosman Foundation, honors an outstanding Library District employee annually. The award is named after retired librarian Guy Hudspeth.
"Receiving the Guy Hudspeth Award from the Alachua County Library District Foundation and the Kosman Foundation is a true honor. I have truly enjoyed serving my greater Hawthorne community these 20 years,” Resue said.
Resue has overseen the Hawthorne Branch’s popular annual art show, fostered partnerships with the Hawthorne Area Historical Society, and spearheaded the branch’s participation in community festivals and holiday parades. When Georgia-Pacific closed its Hawthorne plant, Resue partnered with local employment agencies and was ready to help the laid-off workers learn to use computers to access services and apply for jobs.
“(Resue’s work) truly made a difference in the lives of the individuals and the community as a whole,” the award selection committee wrote.
Resue’s fellow Katherine’s Tree honorees are as follows:
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- Ellen Hulslander (donor: Friends of the Library) Hulslander has volunteered as a table coordinator and a senior member of the Book Sale committee.
- Stephanie and Mark Olson (donor: Friends of the Library) The Olsons have served as sorters, table coordinators, and Book Sale volunteer coordinators
- Hope and Tony White (donor: Friends of the Library) Tony White is a key member of the team overseeing the Friends of the Library art area, including sorting, pricing, cataloging, and coordinating this section.
- Skye and John Maze (donor: Tony White) White donated this leaf for his daughter, Skye, and her husband, John. John Maze has opened the FOL book sales for a decade with welcoming songs on his bagpipes.
- Jessica Giuli Austin (donor: Mitzi Austin and Wayne Smith) This leaf was donated for Jessica Giuli Austin, wife of Victor Austin and mother of Reece and Matilda.
- Satya Paul Kalra (donor: Pushpa Kalra) Pushpa Kalra donated a leaf in memory of her late husband.
The Alachua County Library District Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the Library District by providing supplemental funding with an emphasis on long-term support and planned giving. Learn more at www.acldfound.org.