A staff member at the Pine River Library in Bayfield is the winner of the Colorado Association of Libraries 2014 Lucy Schweers award.

Elizabeth Von Tauffkirchen was chosen for the award for exceeding expectations in her job at the library, association officials said. The Lucy Schweers award is given annually to recognize library staff displaying "outstanding leadership and service."

In 2007, Von Tauffkirchen began working at the library full-time as the Children's Services Coordinator. Since that time the children's programming has increased significantly. From 2007 through 2013, annual attendance at her programs was up 182 percent.

Aside from in-library literacy events, Von Tauffkirchen has also developed outreach programs for local schools and even in-home daycares. From assisting with delayed-start activities at Bayfield Elementary Primary School to hosting Storytimes at Bayfield Early Education Program, Von Tauffkirchen has made it her mission to share her love of reading with children of all ages.

"And it's not just her work with children that makes her so valuable," said the library's public relations director, Karen Lemke, "She has a wide range of skills that make her an important community asset." Von Tauffkirchen helped develop the library's technology lending program, providing valuable guidance for loaning out laptops, e-readers, tablets, and other gadgets. She has since shared that knowledge at state and regional conferences.

Von Tauffkirchen recently received her award at the annual CAL conference in Loveland.