ESSEX — There’s nothing like being singled out by hundreds of people for putting your best foot forward.
That was the scene at Special Town Meeting last week, when April Wanner was recognized as “Outstanding Municipal Employee of the Year.”
Wanner is director of programming for children and teens at TOHP Burnham Library, a role she’s filled for 16 years, with a total of 18 years of service at the Essex library.
Wanner said was surprised by the award presentation.
“I had no idea,” she said. “They said my name and I was shocked. It was an unexpected honor.”
Wanner received a plaque to commemorate the recognition and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by former Library Director Deb French, who hired her.
“I was very honored and surprised,” Wanner said. “We have such a wonderful community. This was just the icing on the cake to honor me in such a special way.”
Library Director Carla Christensen, who nominated Wanner, said the library staff is “incredibly proud of April and thrilled to have her and the library recognized.”
“April is very deserving of this award,” she said. “The library is really at the center of our community here in Essex and we’re thrilled to have the recognition.”
“I consulted with my colleagues and others who work or interact with April and put together a nomination letter,” Christensen said.
In her nomination letter to the Board of Selectmen, Christensen said Wanner “has positively impacted many families and helped thousands of children learn to love books and reading.”
“April is regularly mentioned in patron surveys, program evaluations and notes accompanying donations to the Friends of the Library,” reads the letter. “She has developed strong working relationships with the director of the Early Childhood Partners program as well as the Essex Elementary School library staff.”
Selectmen considered the employee nominations submittted by department heads in October before choosing Wanner.
Christensen said library personnel kept mum about the award leading up to last Monday’s Special Town Meeting.
“She usually works at the library on Monday evenings, so I had to come up with a way to make sure she had the time off and attend the Town Meeting,” Christensen said.
Christensen also made sure the library trustees, members of the Friends of the Library executive board and French would be on hand for the meeting.
“Deb originally hired April back in 2006, so I asked her to present April with flowers when she received the award,” Christensen said. “Select Board Alva Ingaharro presented the award and April was completely surprised. She had no idea.”
Wanner said she is grateful to work at the T.O.H.P. Burnham Public Library.
“I’m just lucky to work in the community I do,” she said. “We have such a great patron base. I just enjoy watching them and knowing that it’s more than just about books. It’s about fostering connections.”