Michael Alvarez presides over a spectacularly successful Bronx Library Center. But, as he is quick to say, he could not have done it without his staff.

At a June 12 ceremony, Alvarez, chief librarian at the Center, and his staff received the 2007 Maher Stern Award for Excellence in Community Service, given each year to the head of a branch library or unit and his or her staff.

From his job as a page at the Webster Branch in 1984, Alvarez has been a fixture in the New York Public Library system in some way, shape or form for more than 20 years. While working at the Riverside Branch shortly after he graduated from the Pratt Institute’s Library Science program in the early 1990s, he even commuted to work on roller skates during a transit strike.

Library president Paul LeClerc noted that although the award is given "collectively," Alvarez is nonetheless a "remarkable individual," displaying "brilliant leadership."

The fact that the prize doubled this year to $2,000 – allowing the library to present $1,000 to Alvarez in addition to the $1,000 that goes to the Center – rewards the librarian’s leadership.

Modestly, Alvarez thanked his staff immediately upon receiving his award, directing his applause toward the gathering of clerks at the back of the room.

"Working here doesn’t feel like work," he said.

The award, Alvarez said, is a chance to take stock and appreciate his past ten years in the city’s libraries. While normally enthusiastic, Alvarez positively beamed during the ceremony, posing for picture after picture.

While introducing Alvarez, Allison Maher Stern, a philanthropist and founder of the award, said, "I think this is the most beautiful library I’ve ever seen."

Sketching Alvarez’ history briefly, she exclaimed in amazement, "Is this true? It’s just so fast, and you’re so young."

At a mere 38 years of age, Alvarez previously worked for nearly 10 libraries in northern Manhattan, serving as Senior Librarian at several branches and District Librarian for the Northern Manhattan Region. He was appointed chief librarian at the Bronx Library Center in August 2005, just a few months before it opened in January 2006.