To love the work one does is the best part of any job. And Community Service Director Debbie Lucero-Winlock’s work at the Page Public Library is a shining example of what can be accomplished if one’s heart is in the work they do.

Because of her unwavering dedication to youth programs and family-centered activities at the library, Lucero-Winlock will be honored by the Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth with the Caring for Children Award.Lucero-Winlock said at the recognition ceremony – by city council – that an anonymous community member nominated her.

“I was surprised and I’m very excited,” Winlock said. “It’s really nice. It just shows how much the community and organizations value what the library does for our kids in our community.”
Lucero-Winlock is one of six awardees chosen from 16 candidates that will be recognized at the annual CCCY conference on April 18.

The Caring for Children website stated, “[Lucero-Winlock] has sought to expand a variety of educational and recreational programs for youth in Page. While the city has become a tourist destination, there were very few activities for youth and children outside of the schools. Under her leadership, the Page Public Library has become a focal point of activities after school, on weekends. and during the summer. Those efforts include story time at both the library and on-site at stores, businesses and the local nursing home, and bringing early literacy and math talk workshops to the library. She has also served on the local First Things First regional council, introduced the ‘Teen After-Hours’ program at the library and started the ‘Books for Families’ program that provides local businesses with reading material for the children of their clients.”

The CCCY noted the nomination was because of the activities and programs she’s involved in, such as activities for children under five, preschool playtime, after school activities to keep latch-key kids in a safe environment, the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program, homeschool and tutoring enhancement, and the teen after-hours program that gave Lucero-Winlock the recognition. However, Lucero-Winlock hands the credit to the library staff who tirelessly smile and help every patron.

“The award is not just for me, it’s for all of my staff because they are the ones that actually facilitate all of the programs,” she said.

One program comes to Lucero-Winlock’s mind when the staff had to actually form a line because the turnout was so high.

“They did a slime after-school program and 60 kids, plus parents showed up. We had to let in two kids at a time,” she said as she laughed. “Not only the kids but (also) the parents attended with them to make slime.”

The preschool reading programs are a popular activity that parents love as much as the children.

“The [librarians] read them stories, sing songs, play games and make a craft. The moms really appreciate it because it’s the only time the moms can get together in a safe place where the children can play together,” she explained. “We also have the ‘Charlie Cart’ so we are going to add ‘Baking (for) Toddlers’ so parents can be a part of it.”

They also have new baby play area.

“We didn’t want the little babies to get stepped on,” she said jokingly. “Our kids are our future so we want to make sure we have activities for all ages.”

Big kudos come from parents and the community for programs that attract teen participation and encourages the use of the library. Lucero-Winlock believes the teen programs also provide a familiar, home-like feeling that is constant.

“It’s a safe, learning place for them,” she said. “They are not just hanging out here doing nothing, they are on the computers, attending programs, reading–– they are doing something and not out doing [negative things].”

Lucero-Winlock can see when a troubled teen is just bored and looking for direction so she will reach out to them.

“I’ve had a couple of teens that had been getting into trouble and were running around being loud in the library. So, one day I said to one of them, ‘What are you doing?’ He said he had nothing to do. So, made him help in the kids’ department and taught him how to shelve books,” she said. “He was a great volunteer. Now he is in college getting his (master’s) and he works in a library. Another girl, a teen that came in for community service, we ended up hiring her and now she works at the library in Phoenix.”

Lucero-Winlock actively seeks out the funding and staff to make the many programs happen for Page. The Caring for Children Award will be added to the list of prestigious awards that Lucero-Winlock writes into grant funding applications for programs at the library.

The budget has experienced changes and some programs may be cut, such as the adult cooking class at the library and the summer movies in the park to keep other programs.

“We are not doing the movies in the park now. I wish we could, that was one of my favorite things to do,” Lucero-Winlock said sadly. But she adds with a positive note that other programs will be added due to volunteers. “We will have… Zumba for kids and later add (the baking for toddlers) classes to ‘Playtime.’”

Lucero-Winlock teaches at the Awana Club and feels that program is also very rewarding.

“I teach the kids how to read and learn. That program is at the Baptist Church and it is for the entire community,” she added. “I enjoy and love our community and the children are our future, so we have to make sure that we provide services and activities to help them grow to maturity, to grow with good self esteem and to help them gain life skills. This is the best job I’ve ever had.”