On Friday, July 8, Delia “Dede” Sanders, Director of Cameron Parish Library, was awarded Essae M. Culver Distinguished Service Award at the Louisiana Library Association Conference.

This is one of the organization’s highest awards and honors a librarian whose professional service and achievements, whose leadership in Louisiana association work, and whose lifetime accomplishments in a field of librarianship within the state merit recognition of particular value to Louisiana librarianship.

In the face of many devastating hurricanes over the years, whether it be in makeshift facilities or from a personal vehicle, Sanders has ensured that the people of Cameron Parish have never gone without library resources and support. When other public entities were shuttered and silent, the Cameron Parish Library was answering calls and printing maps for FEMA officials.

She epitomizes a servant leader, one who continually puts others’ needs above her own. For her outstanding work, the Louisiana Library Association recognizes all that she has done for her library and her community.