The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees took time during their monthly meeting Wednesday, March 13 to honor several library employees with staff excellence awards.  

From Feb. 1-21, library users nominated staff members for recognition. A board committee reviewed submissions and selected 14 winners and one special mention from more than 132 nominations. The Board of Trustees read excerpts from their nominations celebrating all that they do for the people of Fairfax County. 

2024 Staff Excellence Award Winners 

Confidence Akiti, Circulation Manager at Lorton Library 

“Confidence is very professional at what he does. Whenever I need help, he attends right away to make sure I got what I need. Confidence greets me with his beautiful smile. He has a great personality. He comes and asks me if I’m okay, how am I doing and if I need help to let him know and that makes me feel good and want to come here more and let people know about this library because of him.” 

Jaqueline Consolvo, Circulation Manager at City of Fairfax Regional Library 

“As soon as I showed up at her desk, [Jackie] was quick to help me and be just as excited for me to get a library card. I haven’t had a library card since I was in elementary school and I’m excited to have had this process be so incredibly easy! Jackie was awesome!” 

Logan Counard, Youth Services Manager at Thomas Jefferson Library 

“Logan is great. Not just to me, but everyone he’s in contact with! Also, he just has a consistent pleasant personality! He will go out of his way to try to help you. Personally, he has helped me when I run into computer program issue and he seems to always know what to do or if he doesn’t, he’ll come up with a suggestion/solution.” 

Dawn Creal, Youth Services Information Assistant at Burke Centre Library 

“[Dawn] is engaging, enthusiastic, and excels at her job. Dawn is always there to greet me and my son with a smile. Not only does she remember my son’s name, which is quite impressive given the number of children that attend Burke Centre’s programs, but she also takes the time to talk to us and has developed a meaningful relationship with us.” 

Jennifer “JJ” Dickinson, Adult Services Manager at Pohick Regional Library 

“JJ has turned the Maker Space POD into a creative, fun place to make friends while also contributing to society in many ways... She diplomatically works around our diverse personalities (the POD is small and active with people who are VERY different and strong). She stays calm, fair and organized.” 

Andréa Fernandes, Youth Services Manager at Patrick Henry Library 

“Andréa's baby story times are second to none. She manages a chaotic room full of babies like a pro, and her energy is amazing. The kids LOVE her and she has such a wonderful rapport with the little ones who attend regularly. It can be intimidating to attend an event for the first time, but Andréa makes everyone feel welcome, makes expectations super clear, and creates a feeling of community.” 

Stacy Herron, Youth Services Information Assistant at Thomas Jefferson Library 

“A customer called from out of state asking for assistance after mistaking Thomas Jefferson Library for the Thomas Jefferson Museum! Stacy was patient, kind, helpful and never made the customer feel bad for contacting the wrong institution. The customer called library administration after the interaction to sing her praise!” 

Nancy Jessen, Youth Services Information Assistant at Woodrow Wilson Library 

“Nancy leads the board games on Wednesdays. My son attends every week. Nancy does a fantastic job engaging him and whoever else shows up. She cares about the kids who show up. It is such a welcome routine and great way to build community at the library. And Nancy helps make it a wonderful experience.” 

Karen Jones, Youth Services Assistant at Centreville Regional Library 

“Miss Karen’s Wednesday morning reading sessions for young kids are the best. She connects with the kids and helps them to have a cheerful positive day. Our grandson looks forward to the sessions all week ... She was organized, kind, welcoming, and absolutely FUN!” 

Dori Kim, Interlibrary Loan Manager at Technical Operations  

“Dori Kim handles the Interlibrary Loan Department. I have been using it for two years, trying to obtain obscure books and articles. Dori has had a 100% success rate. This has tremendously helped my research into the history of pre-revolutionary Russian film distribution in the United States. The books and articles I need are rare, but without them, I would have almost nothing.  I have a more well-rounded project thanks to Dori.” 

Jeanne Pecori, Information Services Librarian at Pohick Regional Library 

“[Jeanne is] so encouraging and helpful. The cheer she brings to each interaction I've had with her or witnessed is infectious in the best way. She's helped broaden and encourage my crafting skills, bolster my love for books, and positively nudged me to better myself.” 

Amery Stapleton, Assistant Branch Manager at Oakton Library 

“My children were a little rowdy after storytime and there was a line for the check out and I think [Amery] saw I was struggling. She is always very kind to my children and me when she has helped us.” 

Marta Steenstra Davis, Youth Services Information Assistant at Lorton Library 

“Ms. Marta’s storytime has changed my girls’ demeanor. Whoever has met her knows how calm but full of energy she is. She can captivate any child’s attention and keep them focused on the story. Ms. Marta has done a wonderful job in enhancing our literacy culture by providing fun, educational storytimes.” 

Irene VonHapsburg-Nagley, Youth Services Information Assistant at Herndon Fortnightly Library 

“We moved from overseas and my daughter, 3 years old, just started learning English. Irene asked one how to say hi and bye in Turkish so that my daughter feels welcome. We always come for the play time and LEGO club. Irene always has a big friendly smile that makes us love this branch so much. She’s an exceptional employee.” 

Special Mention: Staff of Centreville Library 

“After losing my life partner last year, I was frightened, lost and my whole life became an upheaval. The Centreville Regional Library Team has provided exceptional support and guidance and continues to do so, helping me to get through the most stressful and challenging time of my life. They have been here for me every step of the way and I couldn’t have made it without them.”