Melody Allen (center) with Children's Librarians
Eileen Dyer (l) and Susan Lepore (r)

OLIS' Melody Allen is the recipient of 2008 Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) Life Time Achievement Award. Melody has been with OLIS for 29 years as the Children's Services Librarian. During her tenure with state library services, she has greeted, counseled, and mentored new children's librarians throughout the state. Melody provides consultation and programs for children's library services, children's literacy, continuing education, and reading promotion projects.

The following are highlights of her accomplishments which were announced during the award ceremony by the President of RILA, Christopher LaRoux.

• Under Melody’s leadership, the number of children participating in the RI Summer Reading Program (SRP) grew from hundreds to thousands.  In addition to the federal LSTA funding through OLIS, Melody works tirelessly to obtain outside sponsors to support the SRP.  She coordinates SRP performers’ schedules and negotiates group pricing on behalf of the libraries.  Children’s Librarians are most appreciative of the support and guidance she put forth over the years.
• Melody supported and found resources to support training in brain research and literacy for babies.  She encouraged outreach to the community and promoted cooperative ventures with schools and daycare providers.  She coordinated programs on how to incorporate children with special needs in programs.

Through the years, Melody has:

• been instrumental in the creation and dissemination of 5,000 Getting Ready for Kindergarten calendars in English and in Spanish for parents of four-year olds.  For 2008 it is anticipated the number distributed will be 6,500.
• helped to create and maintain the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award for the last eighteen years.
• brought the Mother Goose Programming to Rhode Island including:  “Mother Goose Asks Why,” “You Can Count on Mother Goose,” and “Mother Goose Meets Mother Nature.”[1]
• served on national committees for the:  Caldecott Award, Siebert Award, and the Boston Globe/Hornbook Award.
• coordinated Mock Caldecott, Mock Newbery and Mock Siebert awards within the state.
• acted as Liaison with other state organizations serving children, including RI KIDS COUNT.
• worked with Old Stone Bank to create the Leap Into Literature program and presented the program at an American Library Association conference.  
• led the New England Round Table of Children’s Librarians.
• worked tirelessly with others to create the Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books and Authors.

Her other responsibilities in OLIS include leading the Field Services Team and participating on the Continuing Education Team.

Congratulations Melody on this most deserving recognition from Rhode Island library community.  We are proud of you!

[1] Programs of the Vermont Center for the Book