By Daily Press staff
Assemblymember Fran Pavley has named local librarian Sylvia Anderle “Woman of the Year.”
Anderle last week joined other “Women of the Year” and was presented with an award on the Assembly floor. First Lady Maria Shriver honored them for their outstanding accomplishments and service. A reception followed at the State History Museum.
Anderle, a librarian at the Fairview Branch Library, was honored for her 11 years of service, helping some 500 Spanish speaking children build their English literacy skills through a summer reading program she developed. She has been honored by the New York Times for “Outstanding Public Service” given to only 27 librarians from a field of more than 1,200 nominees nationwide.
“I’m honored to have Sylvia in my district,” Pavley said. “As a former teacher I know how challenging it can be to keep children focused on reading. Her passion and innovation is an inspiration for us all.”
Anderle, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, earned a master’s degree from UCLA. She experienced first-hand how native culture, along with language barriers and other obstacles, can cause immigrants to be uninformed about libraries. She now takes pride in creating the ultimate bilingual environment for improving reading skills, life skills and people skills.
Every year, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus sponsors its Woman of the Year celebration. Each assemblymember selects a woman from his or her district who has contributed significantly to her community.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 27, 2006. Read the original PDF.