“Miss Amanda” at Portneuf District Library honored with Librarian of the Year Award

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) – It's the dream to love what you do; it's an achievement to make a difference in people's lives every day while doing it. Children's Librarian Amanda Bowden has become a pillar of community, growth and learning at the Portneuf District Library. Last week, Bowden was honored for her dedication to her work and the Pocatello/Chubbuck community with the Librarian of the Year Award from the Idaho Library Association.

Leaders at the Portneuf Library said this news wouldn't come as a shock to those who know and love Bowden, known at the library as Miss Amanda. "Her commitment to her vocation shines through in everything she does, from knowing the names of her tiniest storytime visitors to creating inclusive events like the annual Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt to ensure the Portneuf Library is a space for everyone," The Portneuf Library said in a press release statement.

Miss Amanda serves over 400 preschool-aged children in the Pocatello/Chubbuck community, hosting storytimes and participating in library programs. To her, the real honor is getting to serve the children and foster a young love of reading.

"My boss nominated me and a couple of my colleagues wrote letters of support, I didn't even know I was receiving the award until I got the email saying I had won," Bowden said. "It's kind of overwhelming, I don't think there's anything crazy special about what I do on a daily basis."

On a daily basis, Miss Amanda coordinates storytime at the library and hosts Music and Movement classes. The children's room is set up with different play spaces, aimed to help kids socialize with each other and learn through play.

"Watching kids gain that love for reading and be able to escape into a book, find adventure in a book," she said. "I love my job, and I have great colleagues and great support from the community."

Bowden traveled to Boise for the Idaho Library Association's award ceremony, where she was recognized by hundreds of librarians around the state. She said the experience was slightly overwhelming, knowing she was surrounded by so many qualified colleagues, and yet, she was the one with the award.

"Every librarian works so hard, they're all so creative and involved in their communities," she said. "I was in such great company and so honored."

Bowden said the Pocatello/Chubbuck community is a special place to work, giving her the opportunity to make connections with every child who walks into the library. The library website has a calendar of events, including Miss Amanda's storytimes for children below kindergarten age. The Portneuf Library also has after school activities and tween and teen programs, which you can learn more about on their website portneuflibrary.org.

"I'd lik to thank my directors over the years who have supported me and my crazy ideas and adventures here," Bowden said. "My family for constantly supporting me and then the kids more than anything. They make this all worth it."