Dr. Jacquiline Touba to receive Henry & Betsy Crandall Award
Glens Falls, NY – Crandall Public Library will host their annual Award Dinner & Auction on Friday, September 29, 2023, at The Queensbury Hotel. The event includes the presentation of the Library’s Henry & Betsy Crandall Award. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the values and legacy of Library founder Henry Crandall (1821-1913) and his wife, Betsy, including generosity, perseverance, loyalty, compassion, civic pride, and philanthropy. Recipients have affected the improvement of the community and demonstrated a commitment to Crandall Public Library. Manifesting these qualities and selected by the Board of Trustees for this year’s award is Dr. Jacquiline Touba.
Dr. Jacquiline Touba is the founding executive director of the World Awareness Children’s Museum, an educational institution which fosters knowledge and appreciation of world cultures through exhibitions, interactive programming, the International Youth Art Exchange and educator-led tours. Dr. Touba’s diverse and extensive experience, both here and abroad, as a curator, published author, independent scholar, university professor and sociologist inspired her to initiate the International Youth Art Exchange and to help create the Museum in 1995 with a mission to foster awareness and understanding of worldwide cultural diversity for children and adults.
Beyond being a sociologist and museum professional, Dr. Jacquiline Touba is an accomplished artist. Dr. Touba is the co-founder of the Arts District of Glens Falls and has been an active member of the North Country Arts board for many years, serving previously as president and now as current treasurer. For 50 years, she has created pen and ink drawings inspired by her world travels. Additionally, Dr. Touba designs one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings and has a series of coloring books. From July 7 – August 9, watercolors of Dr. Touba’s based on Persian Miniatures will be on exhibit at LARAC in Show V: The World We Live.
Along with her husband, Dr. Riza Touba, they founded the Touba Family Foundation which has graciously supported many not-for-profits in the Greater Glens Falls area. “The Library and many other community institutions have greatly benefited from the generosity of the Touba Family Foundation” stated Library Director Kathy Naftaly. “Their philanthropy has enabled us to have purchased computers for the Children’s Department and Hearing Loop Listeners for the Community Room, supported our Library-by-Mail program, partially funded our Birding Backpack Program, and the seed money for a new Ukulele club.”
The Henry & Betsy Crandall Award will be presented to Dr. Jacquiline Touba during the September 29th Treasures of the Community Dinner. This event, also a major fundraiser for the Library, aims to raise more than $30,000 in support of the programs and services that promote literacy, provide educational opportunities, and expand cultural horizons for area residents. With tax dollars covering 70% of the Library’s $5.3 million annual budget, fundraising is crucial to bridge the budget gap to continue meeting all of the community’s needs.
The event will be held at The Queensbury Hotel starting at 6:00 PM. For more information or if you would like to sponsor or be a member of the honorary committee, please call 518-792-6508, extension 284. www.crandalllibrary.org/support/ways-to-give/henrycrandallaward