RPL’s Perla Martinez wins ALLA award

Russellville Public Library assistant Perla Martinez received recognition July 31 at the annual conference of the Alabama Library Association in Montgomery. She was nominated and selected for a Library Roll of Honor Award for her continued contributions toward library services to the traditionally underserved populations in Alabama.

“I love working at the library,” said Martinez. She said she was surprised and honored to be chosen for the special recognition.

The Library Roll of Honor recognizes and honors librarians native to or closely associated with the state of Alabama who have made significant contributions to librarianship in Alabama. For a person to be honored in that way, he or she must have been a practicing librarian in Alabama. The award is selected primarily on the basis of contributions made to librarianship in Alabama.

“I’m so proud of Perla and thankful for all she does for the library and the community,” shared Russellville Public Library Director Joshlyn Bowen. “I would be lost without her. She does all of our cataloging and handles whatever IT issues arise.”

Bowen also praised Martinez for what she brings to the library by being bilingual.

“That helps so much on a daily basis,” explained Bowen. “She also greets patrons with kindness, and to most of them, she is like family. I’m so proud of her accomplishments, and I cannot wait to see what her future holds.”

Martinez said she’s looking forward to continuing to grow with the library.

“It’s where I can help my community.”