ANSONIA — The Ansonia Library Board of Directors is proud to announce that Library
Director Jen Shuart will be awarded the Faith Hektoen Award by the Connecticut Library
Association (CLA) later this month at its Annual Conference.
The Faith Hektoen Award is the highest honor a Connecticut children’s librarian can receive.
Established in 1979 and named for Faith Hektoen, the state’s first Consultant for Children’s
Services, who served the Connecticut State Library for more than two decades, the award
recognizes either career achievement in the field of children’s services or an outstanding
program that has made a significant impact on library service for children in Connecticut.
“Jen Shuart exemplifies everything this award stands for,” said Steffanie Arduini, president of the Ansonia Library Board of Directors. “Her tireless dedication to the children and families of Ansonia has not only transformed our library—it has transformed lives. We are incredibly lucky to have her leading our library into its 130th year!”
Under Shuart’s leadership, the Ansonia Library launched a pioneering toy library in partnership with the nonprofit Traveling Toys, LLC, a collaboration that has become a model for public libraries across Connecticut and beyond. The program provides children and families access to high-quality educational toys, reducing barriers to play-based learning and supporting early childhood development in the Ansonia community.
The impact of the toy library gained national attention in June 2025, when Shuart appeared as a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, sharing the story of how the program and the partnership with Traveling Toys have made a meaningful difference in the lives of Ansonia residents. Jen Shuart’s leadership in this area extends to the profession itself. At this year’s CLA Annual Conference, she is co-presenting with the founders of Traveling Toys on toy libraries and how librarians across Connecticut can launch their own programs with the support of Traveling Toys, equipping colleagues statewide with the tools and knowledge to bring this innovative service model to their communities.
The Faith Hektoen Award adds to an already distinguished record of achievement. In 2025,
Shuart led the team at the Ansonia Library that was awarded the Connecticut State Library
Award for Excellence in Public Libraries for Outstanding Children’s Services, a
recognition that underscored the library’s standing as a statewide leader in children’s
programming.
The Ansonia Library Board of Directors congratulates Jen Shuart on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her vision, passion, and commitment to the Ansonia community. Her work ensures that every child in Ansonia has access to the resources, experiences, and opportunities they deserve.