Library Director Receives Community Service Award

Seekonk Public Library Director Sharon St. Hilaire was honored on Wednesday evening with the first annual Sharon St. Hilaire Community Service Award from the Seekonk Library Trust.

The Trustees surprised St. Hilaire with the self-named award at the Bill Harley summer concert behind the library. Trustee Judy Sullivan said naming the award after St. Hilaire was an easy decision, and ensured that "she'll be remembered for a long time.”

Rob DeBlois, Trust chairperson said, “We wanted to present the award here, because Sharon has been instrumental in the creation of the Meadows."

A flyer passed out by Trustees to concert-goers spoke of St. Hilaire’s accomplishments, including creation of the summer concert series, involvement with the Meadows project and turning the library into “one that is nationally recognized for its excellence.”

The award itself is a handmade glass bowl by artist Pean Doubulyu inscribed with the words ‘For Outstanding Service to the Town.” Sullivan said they chose St. Hilaire's favorite colors for the piece.

The soft spoken and modest St. Hilaire accepted the award with humility. “Seekonk Public Library is great because of all of you people,” she told the crowd. “The best is yet to come.” 

DeBlois said the award will be given annually to an employee or volunteer in Seekonk who has had a long career of extraordinary service to the town.

The Library Trust is an independent charitable organization that was created to help the library by raising money for programs and capital needs.