Groton ― Sheila Sullivan has always loved libraries.

Growing up, she liked to read and went on school field trips to the New London Public Library where she enjoyed story time and finding new books.

That passion became her lifelong career and she has now worked for nearly 40 years at the Groton Public Library.

“It’s a wonderful place to work,” she said.

Sullivan’s contributions will be celebrated Tuesday when she will be honored with the 2023 Support Staff Award by the Connecticut Library Association at the association’s annual conference next week in Groton.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut and getting married and having children, Sullivan started working Sundays at the Groton Public Library and then took on a steady progression of roles, including senior page, aide and clerk, she said. She has helped in a variety of ways, from setting up craft programs in the children’s room to working on the library’s newsletter and publicity.

Sullivan, who lives in Mystic, said she currently works as clerk for the library’s local history project, where she reviews historical materials, reports on their condition, inputs that information and scans the documents for digital archives.

She’s also involved with the library’s BookDrop program ― a program that started during the pandemic ― to deliver books to people.

Librarian Kimmerle Balentine wrote in a letter nominating Sullivan for the support staff award that while Sullivan’s title has evolved over the years, “what hasn’t change is Sheila’s positive attitude, her commitment to the patrons and staff of the Groton Public Library, and her enthusiasm for all aspects of public library work ― be it programming, publicity, sorting and shelving, book delivery, archiving or outreach ― all duties she has excelled at over the past four decades.”

When it comes to the library’s programs, Balentine described Sullivan as “the person you want in the room with you.” Balentine wrote that Sullivan has helped with events for people of all ages. Sullivan assists with programs for youths, such as storytimes for babies and toddlers and events for teenagers, by helping to prep materials, set up the room, greet participants, and clean up, and always being patient, kind and cheerful with children.

Sullivan also assists with the library’s Morning Matinee program for seniors and “sets up and cleans the room, makes and serves lemonade and popcorn, and sees that our senior attendees are happy and comfortable,” Balentine wrote.

In a letter of support, Jessica Franco, teen and workforce development specialist, described how Sullivan helps with events and stayed after hours on a Friday to help teenagers learn circus skills.

“Sheila cleared her schedule so she could help with setup and cleanup. She then went above and beyond by encouraging the teens to participate,” Franco wrote. “From juggling to stilt walking, Sheila did it all and demonstrated how fun it can be to try something new.”

Whether she’s digitizing documents or delivering materials to people’s homes, “Sheila leaves her mark with a friendly smile and easy conversation,” Franco said.

Sullivan also served 25 years as a member of the ladies auxiliary for the Old Mystic Fire Department.

Sullivan said her family brings joy to her life. She has two children and a large extended family, and she and her husband participate in the library’s Spice Club, where they cook with a new spice each month and then bring the dish to the library for other club members to try.

Sullivan said her favorite part about working at the library is the people.

She said the library has a lot of committed staff that everyday work to provide resources to young parents and programs that people will enjoy.

“We’re like a community,” she said.

k.drelich@theday.com