Librarians, lawmakers honor library leader

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Librarians and state lawmakers are honoring a Norwich native recently elected president of the American Library Association.

A ceremony for Maureen Sullivan was held Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. She is currently president-elect and is scheduled to officially take on her duties as president in June. Her term lasts one year.

Sullivan, who now lives in Maryland, will lead the oldest and largest library organization in the world. The ALA has more than 62,000 members, including librarians.

Many libraries have experienced increased traffic amid the economic downturn. Sullivan said she wants libraries to be recognized for the value they provide in society.

Sullivan works as a library consultant. She served as the human resources administrator at libraries at Yale University and the University of Maryland.