Kathryn Ames has been honored posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to the Athens Regional Library System and her impact on Georgia public libraries over 40 years of service.

Ames began working for the Athens Regional Library System in 1973 and became its director in 1986. Her reputation as a library leader is immense and renowned.

“Kathie was very helpful in getting me acclimated to my new position as the Athens Regional Library director,” said Valerie Bell. “After she served as director for almost 30 years, one might think she was ready to truly retire. However, she was very generous with her time. We often went to lunch where she would share her knowledge with me.”

Ames made many contributions that have a lasting impact on public libraries statewide, including supporting the development of Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES), the borderless automation and lending network, when it launched in 1999.

Ames also volunteered to be a part of the first PINES steering committee, which helped develop many of the program’s policies and procedures. Today, the PINES network connects 300 libraries and affiliated service outlets in 51 library systems covering 146 counties, giving Georgians access to a collection of over 11 million books and other materials that can be delivered to their home library free of charge.

“Kathie exemplified a passion and high standard of commitment to the advancement of libraries and free access to the services they provide to all people,” said Susan Whittle, executive director of Southwest Georgia Regional Library System. “Her talents, skills, and drive for excellence in service demonstrated her outstanding vision and leadership skills.”

During her tenure as director of Athens Regional Library System, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded the library two National Leadership grants to design and share original service programs.

With the IMLS grant received in 2004, Ames worked to expand library services for the system’s Hispanic community, which included the expansion of the Pinewoods Library and Learning Center. In 2009, the Pinewoods Library was named one of two runners-up for Library Journal’s Best Small Library in America award.

“Kathie was tireless, fearless, and purposeful in her quest to serve the public and to advance libraries throughout the state. She never pursued the limelight or attention for herself, but always sought new approaches to promote and improve library service to people,” said Donna Brumby, former assistant director for organizational development at Athens Regional Library System.

She was also invested in providing leadership training for library employees. She helped create Georgia’s Public Library Institute for New and Creative Leadership Education (PINNACLE) and served as an instructor and mentor during the inaugural years. Many library employees who worked and trained under Ames currently hold leadership positions at libraries in Georgia.

When Ames retired in 2015, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County named the plaza in front of Athens-Clarke Library after her, in recognition of her service.

“I have always had the highest admiration for Kathie’s willingness to raise her hand and be the first to try an innovative approach or a bold new project; she embraced the cutting edge,” said Julie Walker, vice chancellor for libraries and archives and state librarian. “And because she was an admired leader amongst her peers, she gave others a level of comfort with what seemed to be a crazy risk. She was proven right, as she was so many times.”