The Sundre Municipal Library's program manager has an unwavering passion for early literacy that shines through in all the work she does.
Karen Tubb, a former educator with 35 years of experience, has breathed new life into early and family literacy programming at the local library. After more than three years at the facility, she has already solidified a track record that speaks for itself.
In fact the Bergen-area resident's dedication and commitment led to her being nominated and later named recipient of the Centre for Family Literacy's 2017 Lois Hole Memorial Community Leadership Award.
"Before Karen, our family literacy programs were pretty basic," said Jamie Syer, library manager, in a press release.
"She has vastly expanded the number and variety of programs we offer. It's amazing how she has managed to carry on the momentum of growing literacy in the schools and aligned that knowledge with what the library ó and the Sundre community ó needed as far as a strategic direction. Karen's energy never falters and she is absolutely energized by her programs!"
He told the Round Up last week that Tubb has been a staunch proponent of literacy for children and families her entire career.
"We're delighted she's now part of what's going on at the library," he said.
"She's such a benefit to the library and to our whole communityÖwe're so fortunate that she's here."
Tracy Pound, Mountain View Communities Adult Learning Society's program coordinator, nominated Tubb for the award.
"Karen's reputation precedes her," she said during a phone interview with the Round Up.
Ever since Tubb came out of retirement and assumed her role at the local library, the program manager has been "knocking it out of the park," she said.
When reading over the criteria for the award and deciding whom to nominate, Pound said Tubb's name clearly stood out.
With the extensive knowledge Tubb acquired during her decades in education, she learned to identify when some children might be struggling, and is now in a position to implement policies and programs to help them catch up so they're well prepared to begin their lessons once they start grade school, she said.
Pound further described Tubb as a "rock star of family literacy" as well as a dream hire who does not need much direction.
"She's perfect ó it's too bad we couldn't clone her!" said Pound with a laugh.
"Karen is so deserving (of the award). I hope Sundre knows what a gem they have in her."
In 2007, the Centre for Family Literacy established the Lois Hole Memorial Literacy Awards in memory Dr. Lois E. Hole, who had long been one of Alberta's strongest advocates for literacy. Whether reading Robert Munsch to a lively group of children or making a passionate speech to provincial and federal leaders, Hole earned a reputation as being a champion of education. The Lois Hole Memorial Achievement Awards honour individuals, organizations or businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to literacy in the province, the centre's website states.
Being named the recipient of the Community Leadership Award is "certainly an honour," Tubb told the Round Up last week. However, she added the award reflects on the entire Sundre library.
"Without the support of my colleagues and the library board, we wouldn't be able to run these programs. The award really is for everybody."
Fate seemed to roll out the red carpet for her at the library. Shortly after retiring from her last role in education as early literacy coordinator for River Valley School, Tubb noticed the programming position became available at the library and she wasted no time applying.
"The timing was perfect."
As a shoe-in for the position, she was hired.
"Reading is such a passion of mine," said Tubb, who enjoys delving into a variety of books with a preference for fiction.
That enthusiastic adoration of literature is something she enjoys sharing with children. Having previously worked with students who struggled to read at their grade level, she saw in her new position the opportunity to extend early literacy programming to prepare children as well as possible before they even reach preschool.
"In my work with children and parents, I see over and over again that nurturing family literacy in our community helps build connected families, confident children, and capable, creative learners," said Tubb in the press release.
Being part of the local library's growth and evolution over the past few years has also been a wonderful experience.
"We love it when people come into the library, and we hope people will continue to want to come and be comfortable and be part of our library community."
Tubb will be presented with the award on Friday, Feb. 3 during an event called the Leading with Literacy Breakfast in Edmonton. She told the Round Up she does not plan to step away from her position any time soon.
"They're stuck with me for a while yet!" she said with a laugh.
Visit www.sundre.prl.ab.ca for more information about the library and its programs.
