Kurt Daudt and Bob Boese Receive MLA Awards

The Minnesota Library Association held its annual meeting recently in Mankato. Two local residents were presented awards at the MLA Awards banquet held on Thursday, October 25 on the Minnesota Sate University-Mankato campus.

Kurt Daudt, Isanti County Commissioner, was presented with a Certificate of Merit by MLA. The Certificate of Merit is presented to one citizen, or an entire Board of Trustees or Friends group that has made a noteworthy contribution to library services in the State of Minnesota.

Heidi Hoks, current MLA president, presented the award to Kurt with the following introduction. “Kurt has been a library supporter throughout his career in public service. He has served as President of the East Central Regional Library Board in 2006 and 2007. Commissioner Daudt was instrumental in the creation and promotion of the county resolutions in support of increasing Regional Library Basic System Support. Isanti County was the first to pass this important resolution in the fall of 2006. Kurt’s work on this project resulted in more than 70 Minnesota Counties approving resolutions in support of this legislative initiative. His ongoing advocacy on behalf of libraries and library funding has been one of the catalysts that resulted in this year’s passage of a bill that increased Regional Library Basic System Support for the first time in 16 years.”



Also that evening, former director of East Central Regional Library, Bob Boese, was presented with the Minnesota Library Association 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award. The Distinguished Achievement Award is presented in recognition of distinguished service to the profession and for active and innovative leadership in the development of libraries and the improvement of library services. Nine leaders in the library community nominated Bob for the award.

Nominators spoke of his professionalism, dedication, and active participation in MLA. “Whenever making decisions, he has always looked at what is fair and right.” “His knowledge of, and passion for, libraries has benefited all.”

Bob was also a true mentor for those in the library profession. “He gives freely of his time no matter how busy things are at the office.” Many mentioned his interest in collaboration and innovation. “Bob thinks in terms of what will benefit libraries across the state…..Bob has never been unwilling to be the first to try a new idea.” Plus one regional library director noted, “I think of Bob as Minnesota’s ‘Library Historian.’ He can recall a monumental amount of library history and facts.”



Congratulations to Kurt and Bob! We thank you for your dedication and service to East Central Regional Library, its staff and the patrons it serves.

Vickie Sorn, Community Services Coordinator