SACRAMENTO – In a ceremony today, Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) honored Yolo County Librarian Mary Stephens as the 8th Assembly District’s “Woman of the Year.” The ceremony recognized an outstanding woman from each California Assembly district.

“Under Mary’s direction, the Yolo County library system has grown into a wonderful community resource that recognizes our diversity and educational priorities,” said Wolk. “And she has done it with a wonderful mix of intelligence, energy, and humor.”

A Yolo County native, Stephens began her professional library career in 1963, working at the Shields Library on the University of California, Davis campus. In 1969, she was appointed Yolo County Librarian. Since that time, she has guided the Library system through a variety of obstacles, mainly problems with funding, creating a system that has become a valuable community resource.

“Mary is one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever worked with,” said Wolk. “She has a vision that is incredibly expansive and it rubs off on you. You can’t help but get caught up in her energy and ideas. She’s great. She adds so much in so many ways to Yolo County.”

Among the many of her accomplishments: in 1993, she managed the $6 million Davis Branch Expansion Project; she administered the $1 million County Library Central Services and Records Facility project; created YoloLINK, and information and referral network; established the Yolo County Archives. Most recently, Stephens has guided the preparation of Proposition 14 Library Construction Bond Act grant applications for the construction of new libraries in Winters and West Sacramento.

The floor ceremony for the “Woman of the Year” was the centerpiece of a day-long celebration that included a morning reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of California. Neither state nor legislative funds were used to pay for the activities.