The Parker Library is pleased to announce the graduation of Dawn Bergman and Amanda Forrest, who received Masters of Library and Information Science degrees June 9 from the University of Denver.

Dawn, who graduated with a B.A. from Colorado State University in 1999, told me, "When I started working at the Parker library three years ago, I knew immediately that it was a great fit for me. Pursuing my Master's degree in Library and Information Science was the next step to further my career. I have found both personal and professional fulfillment working in the Children's Department and will continue to stay in my current position as a Youth Librarian. In the future, I may look at collection development as another career possibility. For now, I am just very excited to have graduated and look forward to reading books for pleasure instead of for homework!"

Amanda graduated from Regis University in 1996 witha B.A. degree. Her desire to become a librarian began in middle school. "I like working in a library because I like the idea of being surrounded by books and information -- the broad variety of topics and settings, all sorts of perspectives from classic to modern. I find it exciting!" Amanda said. She has worked for the Parker Library as a shelver to gain experience while she earned her degree and in the future she would like to work in a reference position in a public library.

Douglas County Libraries provides an educational assistance program for employees who have been with the library district for at least six months. Regularly-scheduled employees, who work twenty or more hours a week, can apply for tuition reimbursement to improve work-related skills. Emphasis is given to the Masters of Library Science or related degrees. For more information about the library district, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org or your Douglas County Library.