About Paralibrarians
The Paralibrarian Certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize the involvement and contributions of paralibrarians in New Hampshire. Paralibrarians (non-MLS staff) support the missions of school, public, academic, and special libraries throughout the state by providing important services, being involved in professional development activities, and demonstrating commitment to their work. The certification is not a substitute for a Master of Library Science degree or any other degree or certificate.
Complete information on the program, including details on the application process for the NHLA Paralibrarian Certification Program, can be found here:
Applications received after November 1, 2018, should follow the revised
Paralibrarian Certification Guidelines 201808
Copies of completed portfolios should be sent to:
New Hampshire Library Association Paralibrarian Section
c/o Carla Ferreira, cferreira@bedfordnh.org
3 Meetinghouse Rd, Bedford, NH 03110
Van Stop: Bedford/Bedford Public Library
Send Carla an e-mail to let her know to expect your packet.
Bylaws
Bylaws of the Paralibrarian Section of New Hampshire Library Association
Article I. Name.
The name of this organization shall be the Paralibrarians Section of the New Hampshire Library Association.
Article II. Objective
Through support and increased awareness of Paralibrarians, the Section promotes and provides a forum for networking and career development opportunities and provides voluntary professional certification for non-MLS degreed library personnel.
Article III. Membership
Membership shall be open to all dues-paying members of the New Hampshire Library Association.
Article IV. Officers
Section 1. The officers of the Paralibrarians Section shall be the President, Vice President/President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President.
A. The Past-President, President, Vice-President/President-Elect shall serve for one year.
B. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for two years.
Section 2. Vice President/President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer shall be elected by ballot and shall attend executive board meetings after the election during a transition period and begin their term as of January 1st. In the event that the position of President becomes vacant before the end of the term, the Vice President / President Elect shall fill the position for the remainder of the term and a special election will be held. In the event that the position of Vice President / President Elect becomes vacant before the end of the term a special election will be held. The nominating committee will seek nominations from the membership to fill the vacated position. A special election to fill unexpected vacancies will be held within 60 days.
Section 3. The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
A. The President shall conduct all meetings and, with the advice of the Executive Board, shall appoint any special committees as necessary. The President shall be an ex-officio member of each committee, voting only in the case of a tie. The president shall represent the Paralibrarians Section to the NHLA Executive Board. The President shall ensure fiscal oversight of the annual budget in cooperation with the Executive Board.
B. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall assume the responsibilities of the President in the absence of the President. Vice-President/President-Elect shall serve as parliamentarian and shall coordinate all bylaw revisions.
C. The Secretary shall notify all Executive Board members of Board meetings, shall keep minutes of all general membership and Executive Board meetings and forward these to the section membership.
D. The Treasurer shall keep and report all necessary and proper financial records, and shall work with the NHLA Treasurer to manage Paralibrarians finances. The Treasurer shall draft and submit an annual budget for approval to the Executive Board. The Treasurer will forward the approved budget to the NHLA Treasurer.
ARTICLE V. Executive Board.
Section 1. The Past-President, President, Vice-President/President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator and all Committee Chairs shall constitute the Executive Board.
Section 2. The Executive Board shall determine policies and changes therein within the limits of the bylaws of the section and shall take such actions it considers necessary to carry out the objectives of the section.
ARTICLE VI. Committees
Section 1. There shall be the following standing committees: Education, Certification, Nomination and Awards.
Section 2. Each committee shall appoint one designee to serve as a Chairperson and member of the Paralibrarians Executive Board for a period of two years. An exception is made for the Nominating and Award Selection Committees which shall be chaired by the immediate Past President.
Section 3. Vacant committee chair positions shall be appointed by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VII. Nominations and Elections.
Section 1. Nominations
A. The Past President shall chair a Nominating Committee of three members appointed by the President to nominate candidates for each office. The President shall not be a member of the Nominating Committee.
B. Nominations from the general membership shall also be accepted, provided they are accompanied by written acceptances of the nominees.
C. Names of candidates (whether from the Nominating Committee or the general membership), together with their written acceptance, must be submitted to the President no later than August 15.
D. The Secretary shall prepare an official ballot.
E. All candidates must be members of the Paralibrarians. It shall be the responsibility of the nominator to verify such membership. The Secretary shall omit from the official ballot any names improperly submitted.
Section 2. Elections
A. Not later than 60 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting, the Secretary shall deliver a copy of the ballot, using procedures approved by the Executive Board, to each voting member. Ballots shall be returned so that they are received by the Secretary at least two weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting.
B. The chair of the Nominating Committee shall certify the results of the election, which shall be determined by the tally of the Secretary, and shall notify each candidate and each member of the Committee of such results.
C. New officers shall be announced at the first executive board meeting Paralibrarians Annual Meeting and reported to the Executive Board of the New Hampshire Library Association.
ARTICLE VIII. Amendments.
Notices of proposed amendments to the by-laws must be appended to the call for a meeting. Amendments shall be passed upon affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership present.
ARTICLE IX Meetings.
Section 1. General Membership.
A. The annual business meeting and special meetings of the general membership shall be held at such time and place as the Executive Board shall designate.
B. A quorum will consist of 10% of the section membership.
Section 2. Executive Board. Quarterly meetings of the Executive Board shall be held at such time and place as the President shall designate.
ARTICLE X. Parliamentary Authority.
The latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall govern all deliberations of this organization.
Board Contact
President: Cyndi Burnham, Goffstown Public Library, cyndib@goffstownlibrary.com
Vice President/President-Elect: (Interim): Julie Spokane, Amherst Public Library, jspokane@amherstlibrary.org
Past President: Heather Rainier, Hooksett Public Library, hrainier@hooksettlibrary.org
InterState Reciprocity Liaison: Heather Rainier, Hooksett Public Library, hrainier@hooksettlibrary.org
Member at Large:
Danielle Arpin, Pelham Public Library, darpin@pelhamweb.com
Mary Ann Shea, Wadleigh Memorial Library, mshea@wadleighlibrary.org
Review Co-Chairs:
Lee Ann Chase, Hooksett Public Library, lchase@hooksettlibrary.org
Carla Ferreira, Bedford Public Library, cferreira@bedfordnh.org
Review Committee members:
Edmund Lowe, Nashua Public Library, edmund.lowe@nashualibrary.org
Cheryl Ingerson, Elkins Public Library, cingerson@elkinspubliclibrary.org
Education Chair: Hope Garner, Griffin Free Library, Auburn, libraryadvocate62@gmail.com
Education Committee members: Krista Bordeleau, Pelham Public Library, kbordeleau@pelhamweb.com
Membership Co-Chairs:
Alison Wood, Richards Free Library, awood@newport.lib.nh.us
Molly DiPadova, Richards Free Library, mdipadova@newport.lib.nh.us
Treasurer (Pending 2nd meeting attendance): Pam MacDonald, Amherst Public Library, pmacdonald@amherstlibrary.org
Secretary: Katie Ondre, Wadleigh Memorial Library, kondre@wadleighlibrary.org
Webmaster: Amanda Alwyn, Laconia Public Library, aalwyn@laconialibrary.org
Mini-Conference Committee Chair: Cyndi Burnham, Goffstown Public Library, cyndib@goffstownlibrary.com
Mini-Conference Committee members:
Board Role Descriptions
The following role descriptions are a general overview of typical duties for each position.
Additional duties may arise. Further details about each position may be viewed under the Paralibrarian Bylaws, above.
President, NH Paralibrarian Section
The role of Paralibrarian Section President is outlined in the by-laws. The Paralibrarian Section President is part of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board. This is an elected position. The term length for President is one year. After the one year term is served, the President will fulfill the role of Past-President.
- Conduct meetings of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board and any section-wide meetings that may take place:
- Coordinate scheduling of meetings.
- Make decisions on weather-related cancellations of meetings
- The President will facilitate group communication by using available web conferencing tools, managing email distribution lists, and web forums
- Communicate with other board members regarding developing agenda for each meeting
- The President will solicit items and prepare an agenda for future meetings which will be distributed to the members no later than 1 week prior to the meeting.
- Communicate with Executive Board members regarding issues that arise between meetings.
- Answer communications from section members, referring them to the appropriate Executive Board or committee member.
- Appoint committee members, with input from other officers.
- Represent the section on the NHLA Executive Board as a voting member of that body:
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings of the NHLA board
- Participate where necessary and appropriate to promote the interests of section members and NHLA as a whole
- Report regularly to the Executive Board on what's going on with the Section
- Report regularly to the Section Executive Board on what's going on with NHLA and the NHLA Executive Board.
- Promote the section and encourage new membership and participation among current members.
- The President shall ensure fiscal oversight of the annual budget in cooperation with the Executive Board.
- The President may also fulfill other duties as the need arises to ensure the success of the section.
Past President, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Paralibrarian Past President is part of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board. The role of Past President is outlined in the by-laws. The term length for Past President is one year.
- Chairs a Nominating Committee of three members appointed by the President to nominate candidates for each office and
- Shall certify the results of the election and shall notify each candidate and each member of the Committee of such results.
- Award Selection Committee shall be chaired by the immediate Past President.
- Promote the section and encourage new membership and participation among current members.
Vice President/President Elect, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Paralibrarian Vice President is part of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board. The role of the Vice President is outlined in the by-laws. This is an elected position. The term length for this position shall be one year. After the one year term is served, the Vice President/President Elect will fulfill the role of President for one year, and then Past President for one year.
Additional duties not specified in bylaws:
- The Vice President shall promote the Paralibrarian section at networking events, conferences, workshops, and to coworkers and colleagues.
- The Vice President shall support the short and long-term goals as set by the Paralibrarian Executive Board.
- May schedule Go To Meeting sessions if President is unable to do so.
Secretary, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Paralibrarian Secretary is part of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board. The role of Paralibrarian Secretary is outlined in the by-laws.
- Secretary shall serve for two years.
- The Secretary shall notify all Executive Board members of Board meetings, shall keep minutes of all general membership and Executive Board meetings and forward these to the section membership.
- The Secretary shall prepare an official ballot.
- All candidates must be members of the Paralibrarians. It shall be the responsibility of the nominator to verify such membership. The Secretary shall omit from the official ballot any names improperly submitted.
- Not later than 60 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting, the Secretary shall deliver a copy of the ballot, using procedures approved by the Executive Board, to each voting member. Ballots shall be returned so that they are received by the Secretary at least two weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting.
- The Secretary will take minutes and distribute to section members no later than 2 weeks after the meeting.
- Promote the section and encourage new membership and participation among current members.
Treasurer, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Paralibrarian Treasurer is part of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board. The role of Paralibrarian Treasurer is outlined in the by-laws.
- To keep record of all financial activities for the NHLA Paralibrarian Section.
- Prepare an Annual Budget to be presented to the Board of the Section for approval in March, to be submitted to the NHLA Treasurer by April 1st.
- Receive all checks/payments for classes and Certification Applications. Process the deposit as indicated by NHLA provided procedures (scan all checks, complete the NHLA Deposit Form (excel spreadsheet), bring checks/cash to bank, scan the deposit slip, submit the Form, check scans and slip scan electronically to the NHLA Treasurer). Deposits should be made in the month the payments are received. Enter these amounts in the checkbook spreadsheet and the Profit/Loss Statement.
- Each month NHLA receives membership dues, the Treasurer of NHLA will send a NHLA Transfers Form via email to indicate the money received. Enter this in the checkbook spreadsheet and the Profit/Loss Statement.
- Each month the NHLA Treasurer will forward via email the Bank Statement for the section. Reconcile the checkbook spreadsheet and the Profit/Loss Statement to the Bank Statement.
- Before every Board meeting, prepare a financial status summary for review.
- Keep all files in an electronic folder and a printout of all paperwork for that Fiscal Year. At the end of the Fiscal Year, copy all electronic files to the NHLA Paralibrarian Section Drop Box.
- Promote the section and encourage new membership and participation among current members.
Class Fees
- When payment comes in for classes, on the Wild Apricot roster for that student, enter the date, payment amount, check number and if appropriate, the check total (if for more than one class or more than one student).
- Three weeks before the class is due to run, send a payment reminder to anyone still not paid. Another reminder can be sent a week in advance to confirm the student will be attending if still unpaid.
- Other class related responsibilities to be coordinated with the Education Chair.
Education Chair, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Education chair is a member of the Executive Board. The Education Chair is an appointed position and shall serve at will with no set term length. The Education Committee is in the by-laws. As the position has developed, the chair:
- Helps the Executive Board develop class ideas and suggests teachers
- Contacts potential teachers and confirms class dates/locations/descriptions
- Puts all the information on the NHLA calendar/website/NHAIS list, etc
- Handles registration for events
- Shares class lists and certification forms with teachers
- Coordinates with Membership Chair for advertising classes to the membership.
- Sends out reminders for payments due, and dates/times for classes.
- Promote the section and encourage new membership and participation among current members.
Review Board Chair, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Review Board is in the by-laws.
- Review Board Chair shall serve as the Chair of the Review Board and will represent the Review Board to the Paralibrarian Board.
- Review Board Chair shall serve as the main contact for all applicants.
- Promote the section and encourage new membership and participation among current members.
- Review Board Chair shall follow the below process for all applications:
- Review Board Chair receives application.
- Chair notifies applicant packet has been received within three days of receipt.
- Chair notifies treasurer of receipt and forwarding of check as necessary (and forwards check to treasurer) within 7 days of receipt.
- Chair distributes copies to Review Board within 7 days.
- Chair schedules review meeting with Review Board. Review Board meets either in person or by phone to discuss application, preferably within one month of receipt of application.
- Review Board discusses application and collates a list of questions for applicant.
- Chair drafts summary of application and/or questions, shares with Review Board for approval prior to sending to applicant. Upon approval, Chair contact applicant and cc’s committee.
- Chair documents response from applicant as needed.
- Committee reconvenes if necessary based on response from applicant.
- Upon final approval and agreement from committee, Chair notifies applicant of Review Board’s recommendation.
- Chair notifies President / Secretary to add upcoming approvals to the full board agenda.
- Letter and certificate are mailed to applicant (generally via the state van).
- Upload final application to dropbox.
- Send physical application back to applicant if applicable.
Membership Coordinator, NH Paralibrarian Section
The Membership Coordinator is part of the Paralibrarian Section Executive Board. The Membership Coordinator is an appointed position and shall serve at will with no set term length.
- Keeping current members informed of current and upcoming classes and events via email and other methods when appropriate
- Promoting the Paralibrarian section, including: its benefits, how to apply, advance, and generally promote the section where applicable
- Keep an accurate record of all current members
- Attend meetings in person or remotely
Certificate Mentors
Julie Spokane, Brookline Public Library, quiltertwo66@gmail.com
Cyndi Burnham, Goffstown Public Library, cyndib@goffstownlibrary.com
Certificate Holders
| Name | Level | Awarded | Library | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julie Spokane | 2 | May 2015 | Brookline Public Library | Brookline |
| Lee Ann Chase | 2 | May 2015 | Hooksett Public Library | Hooksett |
| Marcia Strykowski | 3 | May 2015 | Hampstead Public Library | Hampstead |
| Glenn Walter | 1 | June 2016 | Nichols Library | Center Harbor |
| Leanne Gast | 2 | June 2016 | Blaisdell Memoiral Library | Nottingham |
| Susan Kehoe | 1 | June 2016 | Sandown Public Library | Sandown |
| Alison Forte | 2 | August 2016 | Blaisdell Memoiral Library | Nottingham |
| Annette Lombardo | 1 | August 2016 | Blaisdell Memoiral Library | Nottingham |
| Mary Farrell | 1 | August 2016 | G.H. Bixby Memoiral Library | Francestown |
| Samantha Gallo | 2 | October 2016 | Fuller Public Library | Hillsboro |
| Cathy Hassard | 1 | February 2017 | Sandown Public Library | Sandown |
| Cheryl Ingerson | 1&2 | February 2017 | Maxfield Public Library | Loudon |
| Lisa Cutter | 1 | February 2017 | Peterborough Town Library | Peterborough |
| Jennifer Stover | 2 | August 2017 | Merrimack Public Library | Merrimack |
| Marcia Strykowski | 4 | August 2017 | Hampstead Public Library | Hampstead |
| Sarah Frost | 2 | August 2017 | Belmont Public Library | Belmont |
| Julie Spokane | 3 | October 2017 | Brookline Public Library | Brookline |
| Samantha Gallo | 3 | January 2018 | Fuller Public Library | Hillsboro |
| Lee Ann Chase | 3&4 | April 2018 | Hooksett Public Library | Hooksett |
| Lindsey Blanchette | 1 | April 2018 | Salisbury Free Library | Salisbury |
| Cyndi Burnham | 1 | June 2018 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Lauren Rettig | 1 | June 2018 | Davis Public Library | Stoddard |
| Lisa Cutter | 2 | June 2018 | Amherst Town Library | Amherst |
| Amanda Alwyn | 1&2 | August 2018 | Laconia Public Library | Laconia |
| Cyndi Burnham | 2 | October 2018 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Doreen Bergeron | 1 | October 2018 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Sarah Frost | 1 | October 2018 | Belmont Public Library | Belmont |
| Cathy Hassard | 2 | December 2018 | Sandown Public Library | Sandown |
| Doreen Bergeron | 2 | December 2018 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Hope Garner | 1 | December 2018 | Griffin Free Library | Auburn |
| Jennifer Stover | 3 | December 2018 | Merrimack Public Library | Merrimack |
| Lee Gilmore | 1&2 | December 2018 | Merrimack Public Library | Merrimack |
| Sheila Lippman | 1&2 | December 2018 | Merrimack Public Library | Merrimack |
| Julie Spokane | 4 | April 2019 | Brookline Public Library | Brookline |
| Amanda Alwyn | 3 | June 2019 | Laconia Public Library | Laconia |
| Susan Kehoe | 2 | June 2019 | Sandown Public Library | Sandown |
| Aimee LaRue | 1 | October 2019 | Peterborough Town Library | Peterborough |
| Cheryl Ingerson | 3 | October 2019 | Maxfield Public Library | Loudon |
| Mary Farrell | 2 | October 2019 | G.H. Bixby Memoiral Library | Francestown |
| Mary Hubbard | 1 | October 2019 | Peterborough Town Library | Peterborough |
| Stacey Desrosiers | 1 | October 2019 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Bettielue Hill | 1 | December 2019 | Brookline Public Library | Brookline |
| Cherylyn Gable | 1 | December 2019 | Meredith Public Library | Meredith |
| Aimee Larue | 2 | September 2020 | Peterborough Town Library | Peterborough |
| Carla Ferreira | 1 | September 2020 | Bedford Public Library | Bedford |
| Cheryl Ingerson | 4 | September 2020 | Maxfield Public Library | Maxfield |
| Cyndi Burnham | 3 | September 2020 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Dawn Mazur | 1 | September 2020 | Derry Public Library | Derry |
| Ellen Neilley | 1 | September 2020 | James A. Tuttle Library | Antrim |
| Joann Houde | 1 | September 2020 | Nesmith Public Library | Windham |
| Laura Wing | 1 | September 2020 | Fuller Public Library | Hillsboro |
| Linda Hough | 1 | September 2020 | Meredith Public Library | Meredith |
| Micaela Seekell | 1 | September 2020 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Micaela Seekell | 2 | September 2020 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Patrick Arnold | 1 | September 2020 | Derry Public Library | Derry |
| Susanna Buonopane | 1 | September 2020 | Campton Public Library | Campton |
| Cherylyn Gable | 2 | December 2020 | Meredith Public Library | Meredith |
| Danielle Arpin | 1 | December 2020 | Pelham Public Library | Pelham |
| Julie Cyr | 1 | December 2020 | Jaffrey Public Library | Jaffrey |
| Krista Bordeleau | 1 | December 2020 | Pelham Public Library | Pelham |
| Marie Mehegan | 1 | December 2020 | Pembroke Town Library | Pembroke |
| Dawn Mazur | 2 | March 2021 | Derry Public Library | Derry |
| Dianna Levesque | 1 | March 2021 | Fuller Public Library | Hillsboro |
| Hope Garner | 2 | March 2021 | Griffin Free Library | Auburn |
| Krista Bordeleau | 2 | March 2021 | Pelham Public Library | Pelham |
| Laura Wing | 2 | March 2021 | Fuller Public Library | Hillsboro |
| Marie Mehegan | 2 | March 2021 | Pembroke Town Library | Pembroke |
| Patrick Arnold | 2 | March 2021 | Derry Public Library | Derry |
| Samantha Gallo | 4 | March 2021 | Fuller Public Library | Hillsboro |
| Carla Ferreira | 2 | November 2021 | Bedford Public Library | Bedford |
| Cyndi Burnham | 4 | November 2021 | Goffstown Public Library | Goffstown |
| Danielle Arpin | 2 | November 2021 | Pelham Public Library | Pelham |
| John Locke | 1 | November 2021 | Meredith Public Library | Meredith |
| Patrick Arnold | 3 | November 2021 | Derry Public Library | Derry |
| Glynis Hart | 1 | January 2022 | Wilmot Public Library | Wilmot |
| Krista Bordeleau | 3 | March 2022 | Pelham Public Library | Pelham |
| Krista Bordeleau | 4 | September 2022 | Pelham Public Library | Pelham |