The Easton Public Library Board of Trustees will honor George Hajek and Ann Denton as the 2026 recipients of the Anne Lindquist Library Spirit Award, recognizing their significant volunteer contributions to the library.
The award is presented annually to a volunteer who has made a meaningful impact. This marks the first time two individuals will be honored in the same year. Hajek and Denton will be recognized during a public reception scheduled for Saturday, June 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. A brief ceremony will take place at 3 p.m.
Hajek and Denton serve as co-presidents of the Friends of the Easton Public Library. The couple moved to Easton from lower Manhattan in 2019 and became active in the library community, joining the Beyond Reading book group and volunteering with the Friends.
Hajek, a graduate of New York University’s School of Business with a focus on computer applications, spent his career in the financial technology sector, working with institutions including Citibank, Chemical Bank, Bear Stearns and JPMorgan. Denton holds a bachelor’s degree from Denison University in English and psychology and a master’s degree in medieval drama from the University of Florida. Her career includes teaching college-level English, working in data communications, running a knit design business and serving as a textiles professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Their combined skills have supported the Friends’ operations and outreach. Hajek has modernized the group’s website and implemented systems for mailings, credit card processing and donation acknowledgments. Denton has contributed writing and editing expertise.
Under their leadership, the Friends have focused on both community engagement and fundraising. Initiatives include the return of the Children’s Storybook Parade, expansion of the Holiday Tree-Lighting and Market, and the launch of an annual craft beer tasting event at Greiser’s, featuring dinner and live music. They also credit a strong volunteer base for the group’s success, particularly during preparations for the annual book sale.
“The board and I are so grateful for George’s and Ann’s contributions to the library,” Library Director Lynn Zaffino said. “They run the Friends with enthusiasm, passion and efficiency, and the time and effort they dedicate to the library is greatly appreciated. I truly enjoy working with them.”
The reception is open to the public. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Zaffino at lzaffino@eastonlibrary.org.
