Oak Lawn Library’s branch manager Angie Bartula was named Dallas Librarian of the Year.
“She won talent, swimsuit AND personality,” North Oak Cliff branch manager Ray Sablack said.
To celebrate, D Magazine is staging a festival at the deck park downtown.
“On the 26th, we are having a huge festival at Klyde Warren Park celebrating storytelling of all forms,” said D Magazine’s Community Engagement Manager Krista Nightengale. “It’s a free event that’s open to the public.”
Bartula encouraged people to bring a book to the park and spend the afternoon reading.
However, in the event she’s unable to fulfill her reign as Dallas Librarian of the Year …
“Hey,” Bartula objected. “Why wouldn’t I be able to fulfill my term?”
Absolutely no reason at all.
Since becoming Oak Lawn’s librarian, she’s expanded the LGBT section at her branch and encouraged other branches to begin LGBT sections as well, which Sablack has done in North Oak Cliff. She recently partnered with Dish, at ilume across the street from her branch, to host author lesbian Leslea Newman for a reading.
She’s active throughout the community, welcoming senior citizens, a crime watch and a North Dallas High School group. She’s encouraged a knitting group that meets at the library, a homeowners group and loves to help people with their job searches.
Well deserved, Angie, and we’re looking forward to the D Magazine centerfold in May.
