BPL Family Joins Celebration for Women of Influence

Saundra Ross (center) is surrounded by BPL supporters. Photo courtesy of Bill Henry.

Saundra Ross-Forrest, Branch Manager of the Birmingham Public Library’s North Avondale Branch Library, was recognized by the SouthEast Small Business Magazine as one of Birmingham’s 40 Top Women of Influence during its Inaugural Women of Influence Breakfast. The breakfast was held Thursday, March 22, at Birmingham’s Doubletree Hotel and was attended by representatives from BPL’s staff, board, and patrons. “Birmingham’s Top 40 Women of Influence have demonstrated their commitment to the citizens of the Birmingham community by their significant involvement and participation in community and civic activities,” stated magazine publisher Jennifer R. Anthony.

Ross-Forrest is known for working tirelessly to make the North Avondale Branch Library an integral component of the community by going beyond the call of duty to develop outreach programs and to foster a friendly and nurturing atmosphere as she responds to the needs of library patrons. With the commitment and enthusiasm she shows each day as she creates innovative programs to engage the community with the library and its numerous activities, Ross-Forrest is a natural choice for recognition as a “Woman of Influence.” In addition to this recognition, Ross-Forrest has been recognized by neighborhood groups in her area and is one of ten recipients of the 2012 Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times, I Love My Librarian Award for community service.