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2016 Julie Klauber Award Winner - Chandra Thornton

Florida Talking Book Library staff member receives national service award for creative programing.

Raleigh, North Carolina - May 2, 2016 - Keystone Systems and the Palm Beach County Library System (PBCLS) are happy to announce Chandra Thornton as the 2016 Julie Klauber Award Recipient. Thornton, an employee of the Palm Beach County Library System Talking Books Section for 11 years, will receive the award from her peers for "her enthusiasm to find new methods to serve our patrons" who are blind and / or physically handicapped.

As this year's award recipient, Thornton receives a trip to the 2016 KLAS Users Conference provided by Keystone Systems. At the conference, Thornton will have opportunities to network with other Talking Book and Braille librarians and staff members and attend sessions about using KLAS to improve patron service. She will also present a general session focused on her innovative "Programs Beyond the Book" highlighting the Telephone Book Discussion and Talking Books Movie Experience programs she designed and implemented. Kay Holloman, CEO, Keystone Systems, will recognize Thornton and present her with a plaque during the conference's opening general session.

PBCLS Talking Books Librarian Sarah Smedley says she nominated Thornton "to highlight her innovative programs" Chandra's true movie experience has made our patrons aware that the descriptive headphones are available to the visually impaired upon request. Also, the monthly call-in book discussions Thornton arranges allow patrons a convenient option for discussing books they otherwise would not read. "Chandra's work has truly opened a world of opportunities to the people she serves, and she always does it with a smile."

The Palm Beach County Library System recently updated their mission statement to "Connect communities, Inspire Though, and Enrich lives". Thornton says she strives to embody this through her work, attitude, and everyday life. "Receiving the Julie Klauber Award is a confirmation to my library that the work we do on a daily basis is beneficial, not only to our patrons, but our staff. [Julie Klauber] was an amazing person, who was committed to access for people with disabilities. I am honored that qualities of her character are being recognized in me."

About the Julie Klauber Award:

The annual Julie Klauber Award recognizes outstanding and dedicated library staff that work with KLAS in their daily job functions and provide exceptional service to their library and the community in the spirit of Julie Klauber. Klauber was a national expert and leader on disability issues. She served as the director of Talking Books Plus library in Suffolk County, NY, and authored several articles on library resources and services for people with disabilities.

About Keystone Systems:

Keystone Systems, Inc., a leading provider of accessible library software since 1983, provides software and service solutions to libraries with complex demands. Keystone developers have created a powerful, yet elegant library automation system, which has the flexibility to meet specific needs of special, academic, and public libraries. For more information about Keystone Systems or KLAS, visit www.klas.com.