Submitted photo.
Earlier this week, Krontiras was among five other individuals honored as a Library Champion during the Jefferson County Public Library Association’s annual holiday luncheon at The Florentine Building.
When he’s not helping run Nabeel’s Café and Market, owner John Krontiras keeps busy supporting the Homewood Public Library. Earlier this week, Krontiras was among five other individuals honored as a Library Champion during the Jefferson County Public Library Association’s annual holiday luncheon at The Florentine Building.
Homewood Public Library Director Deborah Fout nominated Krontiras for the award, according to a news release.
"John has been supporting the Library for two decades," wrote Fout in her nomination letter. "Every time our Friends group or our Foundation has a fundraiser he donates delicious food from his restaurant. He always donates for our programs when we ask. At our First Annual Block Party in 2014, Mr. Krontiras sold his famous baklava and gave the proceeds to the Homewood Library Foundation. In 2015, he catered our 'Cheers!' event at Good People Brewing Company, which was a joint fundraiser between the Homewood Rotary Foundation and the Homewood Library Foundation. Thanks to Mr. Krontiras’s generosity, both Foundations received over $2,500."
Krontiras, according to the release, is also a founding member of the Homewood Library Foundation Board.
Each year, during the luncheon, the Jefferson County Public Library Association recognizes the “outstanding achievements of volunteers and community partners.” The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution(s) to libraries and/or librarianship in Jefferson County, Alabama.
This year’s other honorees included:
- Carmelo Aliano, nominated by Jean Shanks on behalf of the BPL Wylam Branch.
- Dionne Clark, nominated by Sandi Lee on behalf of the BPL Woodlawn Branch.
- John William Flakes, nominated by Luella Perry on behalf of the Walter J. Hanna- Fairfield Public Library.
- Elizabeth McCormick, nominated by Karen Carroll on behalf of the Leeds Jane Culbreth Public Library.
- James "Jim" White, III, nominated by Olivia Alison on behalf of BPL Central.
