VIROQUA, Wis. – Ken Tucker worked with children his entire life as a school librarian. But now at the age of 85, his passion for literature and volunteering shines through at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua. Ken was nominated for a Jefferson Award through WXOW-TV 19 by Library Director Trina Erickson. In December 2023 Tucker was notified he had been selected as a Jefferson Award Winner.
Tucker worked as a librarian in Illinois until his retirement when he moved to Viroqua to be closer to family. It wasn’t long after he had relocated that he became an active volunteer at the McIntosh Memorial Library.
“He has been volunteering at the library for probably 10 years,” Director of the library and nominator Trina Erickson said. “When I see someone that is so devoted to the library and making it better it just warms my heart. Ken deserves to have this nomination made for him.”
During his time at the McIntosh Memorial Library, Tucker has flourished with two significant volunteer roles. First, he manages the Friends of the Library Bookstore. As the manager he keeps the shelves stocked with fresh content and oversees a team of 30 volunteers. Those volunteers work at the sales table so the store can be open to the public 30 hours per week.
Tucker also serves as the Secretary on the Friends of the Library Board of Directors. As the Secretary Ken types up the minutes, sends out meeting packets, and writes quarterly newsletters which are distributed to the membership.
Ask anyone who works with Tucker, and they’ll say he goes above and beyond in his role.
“He keeps me on my toes,” Erickson said. “Ken challenges me but in a good way because his heart is in the right place and that’s to help the library.”
For Tucker, working with the library is a chance to continue something he’s passionate about.
“I still have the same interest in providing the services to the community,” Tucker said. “But the passion I think comes because it’s simply a chance to continue what I’ve been interested in and devoted to for many years.”
All the proceeds raised in the Friends of the Library Bookstore, that Tucker manages, are used to support the McIntosh Memorial Library.
The Jefferson Awards Foundation was created in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service. The Jefferson Awards are given at both local and national levels. Local winners are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition.
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