Rep. Leslie Herod received the legislator of the year award from the Colorado Association of Libraries last weekend.

Rosemary Marshall, president of the Denver Public Library Commission, presented the award to Herod at the Juanita Gray Community Service and biennial Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library last weekend.

“We are grateful for Rep. Herod’s support of public libraries,” Marshall said. “She recognizes that libraries are not just about books, but serve as a vitalcommunity partner, providing learning opportunities, and helping people connect to resources and needed essential services.”

The Democrat from Denver was lauded for her work on behalf of public libraries in the legislature, including House Resolution 17-1008, the General Assembly’s statement of support for the importance of Colorado libraries.

Herod co-sponsored the legislation, which passed unanimously, with Republican Rep. Cole Wist of Centennial. The resolution was sent to the president, vice president, the governor and members of Colorado’s legislative delegation.

“In Colorado, we recognize the indispensable role of our public libraries in supporting healthy and vibrant communities,” Herod said in a statement. “Our libraries serve as community hubs. They offer a gateway to a world of knowledge, foster connection in our neighborhoods, provide equal, free and and open access to ideas and resources. They also serve as a critical nexus between our most vulnerable community-members and services.

“Our budgets must reflect the tremendous value our libraries generate, and I will continue to advocate for them.”

Herod was elected to the General Assembly in 2014. She serves on the Legal Services, Judiciary and Finance committees.

Last year’s winner was House Speaker Crisanta Duran.