Clayton Library Friends (CLF) has always made a concerted effort to have an exhibit presence each year at several national as well as local genealogical conferences. Thanks to Board members, Pat Metcalfe and John Dorroh, CLF is once again being well represented at the National Genealogical Society (NGS) conference being held August 8-10, 2019 at St Charles, Missouri. They not only showcase Clayton Library, Center for Genealogical Research (CL) as well as CLF by telling conference attendees about our group and our nationally recognized Clayton Library, but they also sell duplicate copies of genealogical resources at our booth in the exhibit hall to raise funds for CLF. Thanks to Pat and John for their dedication and passion and for helping to promote CLF and CL at these conferences. And also thanks to other CLF board members and supporters who have also helped to "man" CLF booths, which is a great way for volunteers to support CLF.

And speaking of the NGS conference, CLF is so thrilled to announce that our own, Susan "Sue" Kaufman, manager of Clayton Library, was the much deserved, recent winner of the NGS Filby Award for Genealogical Leadership during the conference !!!! Aside from the tremendous honor associated with the award, Sue also received a $1,000 prize. The award was presented to her during Librarians' Day, an event held each year during the conference. Created in 1999 by NGS, the award is named for the late P. William Filby, former director of the Maryland Historical Society. Filby was the author of many core genealogical reference tools that genealogists have utilized for decades.

Sue Kaufman has been the manager of the Clayton Library since 2005. Previously, she held positions as a genealogy librarian at the Peoria Public Library in Peoria, Illinois, and the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During her tenure, Clayton Library has become one of the finest genealogy libraries in the nation with some 100,000 research volumes, 3,000 periodical titles, and an extensive microfilm collection. It also is a FamilySearch affiliate library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sue is a respected librarian, presenter, and administrator. She regularly lectures at community, statewide, and national events. She has served on the boards of many genealogical organizations, including the Texas State Genealogical Society and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). During the nomination process, CLF Board members, patrons, colleagues, and volunteers offered tributes that tell the story of a generous and skilled researcher who is always willing to help other family historians. Congratulations to Sue Kaufman from Clayton Library Friends !!!

Next time you see Sue at Clayton Library, be sure to congratulate her about winning the Filby Award as well as thank her for her tireless efforts to work continuously to enhance Clayton Library, making it one of the best genealogical libraries in the Nation. While you are there, also please thank Sue's talented library team, who work diligently as well to help patrons find their family forebearers !! And remember, PLEASE also support Clayton Library Friends with your financial as well as your volunteer support. It is the sole mission of Clayton Library Friends to support Clayton Library by purchasing vital equipment and numerous research materials each year as well as by providing volunteer support!!!