Photograph of librarians Ann Pechacek and Sarah Cofer with teens at a TGIF Program

Librarians Sarah Cofer (at left, wearing the blue shirt) and Ann Pechacek (at right, wearing red lanyard) are pictured with three teens who participated in one of Worthington Libraries’ TGIF after-hours events. The program, which took place in March of 2007, offered teens an opportunity to unwind on a Friday evening with snacks, sodas and games. Library staff brought out gaming systems and even Dance Dance Revolution equipment to ensure that teens had a fun time.

Ann worked at Worthington Libraries for 20 years, first as a teen librarian and then as a lead librarian. During her time at the library, she served as a friend and mentor to countless teens, sharing with them her passion for reading. In addition to her many programs and booktalks at the library, Ann served on prestigious national book award committees: the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, and the William C. Morris YA Debut Award. She was born in Muskogee, OK, and grew up in Tahlequah, OK, where she graduated high school. She continued her education at the University of Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Alaska in Anchorage. She received her Master's in Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi