East Carbon girl honored by Utah Library Association

An East Carbon girl who started a grassroots campaign to save bookmobile services in Carbon County last summer has received a statewide award from the Utah Library Association (ULA). Eleven-year-old October Hamilton was honored Wednesday afternoon with the ULA Legislative Award for Excellence in Political Affairs and Library Advocacy, during a ceremony at the Price Peace Garden.
Along with state officials, the ceremony was attended by October’s family and friends, Carbon County Bookmobile Staff, Library Directors for the Price, Helper and USU Eastern Libraries, and Price City Council members.
In presenting the award, Summit County Library Director and ALA Past President Dan Compton noted the award is given only once a year to recognize an individual or group who has demonstrated consistent dedication in being an advocate for libraries either on the national, state or local political stage.
Compton said, “We had hoped to see October up at our annual conference in Provo to present this award, but it didn’t work out.” He said he was thrilled to make the presentation at a formal ceremony in Price, “For the amazing work that she was able to do to help save the Bookmobile.” The awards committee is made up of academic and public librarians, and selects the award winner from nominations sent in from all across the state.
Compton said when he became aware of October’s effort to help save the Bookmobile, “I was really, really impressed. I felt like I needed to nominate her for this award.” Compton recalled that October was able to gather 1,000 signatures from her community and present them to the Carbon County Commissoners. “Because of her efforts, the Bookmobile funding in Carbon County was not eliminated at that time. It was continued at a reduced rate,” he stated.
Compton related, “What inspired me the most about October was her motivation.” He said her younger brother Tuxin has ADHD and the only reason he started reading was because of the Bookmobile, or as he calls it, the “Library Truck.” Compton added, “I know librarians who are scared to death to do this kind of advocacy work, and here we have October doing this at such a young age, and it is such an inspiration to myself and so many other librarians.”
Upon accepting the award, October thanked Compton for the nomination. She said, “It’s very special to me. And I’d like to thank the Bookmobile ladies, too, and everyone that signed (the petition).” She also received a gift card with the award.
ULA Bookmobile Program Manager for the State of Utah Britton Lund also commended October saying, “I have never seen a child get this award.” She said it usually goes to legislators, county commissioners or other adults. “To do your civic duty, to be involved in the process of government in making laws and making a difference, that’s something all of us can do,” she said. “But not very many of us take the opportunity and to have a child lead the way, it’s absolutely incredible.”
Lund said, “We have a contract through the end of this year, so through the end of December we’re going to be out meeting everyone’s needs.” The contract is a Memorandum of Agreement between Carbon County and the Utah State Library. According to the document, the State is paying $31,140 to fund bookmobile services through the period while the County considers whether or not to continue making a contribution.
Lund called the Bookmobile the “Great Equalizer” for communities that don’t have access to a library. She said, “You can get anything from the Bookmobile that you can get from any library in this county or any library in this state, regardless of size.”