Even years after the deed was done, Secretary of State Sam Reed receives thanks and accolades from groups for his pivotal role in saving the Washington State Library from elimination.

The Washington Library Association was the latest organization to salute the Secretary for saving the State Library back in 2002. During its annual conference in Tulalip last week, WLA President Brian Soneda (above) presented Reed with the President’s Award.

The plaque says the honor was given to Reed “to recognize his leadership in saving the Washington State Library in its darkest hour (by bringing it under the Office of the Secretary of State) and for his ongoing and tireless advocacy not just for the Washington State Library but for the importance of ALL libraries in Washington state.”

The State Library is Washington’s oldest government institution, having been created in 1853, the year Washington Territory was established. It has been part of the Office of Secretary of State since 2002.