RUMFORD — Longtime principal of Rumford Elementary School Anne Chamberlin was honored Thursday morning as the Maine Association of School Libraries Administrator of the Year.

“She has supported the school library and literacy for a long time. It’s up-to-date with computers and there are so many books,” said Peggy Becksvoort, the Falmouth Middle School librarian, and president of the association.

Along with flowers and a plaque, the award carries $500 to be spent on adding more books to the school’s library. Chamberlin also received a round of applause from the nearly 275 pupils gathered in the cafeteria.

In her nomination letter, RES librarian Eileen Broderick said that Chamberlin has fought to retain  media specialists and has emphasized the integration of technology in all aspects of education, including its crucial role through literacy and information. Chamberlin has called the library the center of the school, Broderick wrote.

Chamberlin, who had planned to leave school early on Thursday because of illness, was convinced to stick around until noon. The news of the award had been kept from her until Thursday.

She said she was overwhelmed by the award.

“It’s really an award for the library, not for a person. I’m thrilled that Eileen Broderick gets to spend more money on books,” Chamberlin said.

The award was aligned with the school’s Literacy Day, which included day and evening storyteller performances and books being distributed to each child through the Reading Is Fundamental program.

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