Community Spotlight: Manatee County Central Library Staff Member Recognized for Heroism

BRADENTON – A staff member in the Manatee Central Library's Circulation Department, Pamela Carr, was officially recognized with an award for heroism at the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.

Carr received this award for having saved the life of a library patron.

In early April, a very distraught man approached Carr at the library’s front desk and told her that he was in need of assistance.

In speaking with the gentleman, Ms. Carr learned that he was under extreme duress and that he was frightened by what this meant. She accompanied him to a quiet area of the library and while comforting and assuring him that he would get the help he needed, alerted other staff members to call 911.

While waiting for help to arrive, the man tried to leave, but Carr insisted that it would be best if he remained with her. Despite having never experienced a situation such as this, Ms. Carr remained calm and composed throughout the incident, and almost certainly saved the man’s life.

Library Services Manager Ava Ehde stated, “We applaud Pamela Carr and are proud to call her one of our own.”

The Central Library is located at 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West in Bradenton, Florida. For more information, please call the library at 941-748-5555.

For general information about the Manatee County Public Library System, visit us on the web at www.mymanatee.org/library.