Middlefield – Mrs. Mona J. Trybus of Middlefield has been named the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Chapman Award. Each year, the Geauga County Library Foundation bestows this award on an individual who, through his or her actions, has best promoted the interests of reading and books.
Mrs. Trybus’ devotion to the library began with the founding of the East Geauga Friends of the Library in 1973. She served as secretary/treasurer, wrote its newsletter for several years, compiled scrapbooks of the organization’s history and events, and helped to raise the funds necessary to include a meeting room in the library that opened in 1977. She continues her Friends volunteer work every Thursday afternoon in the Friends’ book sale room in the new Middlefield Library.
It is safe to say that without Mona J. Trybus, there might not be a new Middlefield Library. She tirelessly visited businesses and individuals, seeking donations to the campaign fund for the successful bond issue that made the Middlefield Library a reality. Recognizing the significance of her contributions, the Library Board named the conference room in the new library the Mona J. Trybus Conference Room. In addition to raising the funds, Mrs. Trybus continues to serve as campaign treasurer for Geauga Citizens Preserving Libraries, funding all campaign expenses since 1991.
A member of the Library Board for 30 years until her retirement in July 2011, Mrs. Trybus served on every committee and in every officer capacity on the Board. She was appointed to the Geauga County Library Foundation Board in 1993 as a Library Board representative until her retirement from the Library Board earlier this year. At that point, the Foundation Board recognized her great contributions and sought her permission to appoint her back to the Foundation Board as a community representative.
A native of Altoona Pennsylvania, Mrs. Trybus married Dr. Henry G. Trybus in 1957 and moved to Middlefield. She has two daughters, one son, and nine grandchildren.
Mrs. Trybus will receive her Chapman Award from the Geauga County Library Foundation at a reception in her honor on Friday, November 11, 2011, at Middlefield Library.
