A staff member at the Windham Public Library has been nominated for the Maine Library Association Outstanding Librarian Award.

Technology Services Librarian Barbara Keef, who has been with the library since 1995, was secretly nominated in June, but Adult Services and Cataloging Librarian Sally Bannen said the secret was too good to keep.

“Keeping it a secret was a heartache,” said Bannen. She said she nominated Keef because of her professionalism and for being “a role model for patience.”

“She goes over and above,” said Bannen. “She will give each person all the time in the world. Everyone thinks Barb is wonderful.”

Keef, who was told about the nomination at a surprise party, is still modest about being nominated.

“I like information, and I like helping people,” she said, adding that she doesn’t think she deserves the honor.

Town councilor and library regular Bob Muir disagrees.

“She’s a tremendous asset to the town,” said Muir. “She’s very aware of the public and she will do anything she can to help them.”

He added that Keef has helped him navigate the Internet on multiple occasions.

Keef, who manages the reference desk and organizes programs said technology, such as the Internet, has helped increase the spread of information dramatically.

“The Internet is like a candy store for someone who likes information,” she said.

The winner of the Outstanding Librarian Award will be announced sometime in November.

Barbara Keef, of the Windham Public Library, has been nominated for the Maine Library Association Outstanding Librarian Award. The winner will be announced in November.