The Edgartown Library Foundation honored Chappaquiddick author and conservationist Edo Potter with a Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday, with the former Edgartown selectman receiving a standing ovation of nearly 200 guests.

“Edo has been an outstanding public servant,” said Ted Morgan, who was given the award last year. “She has been truly dedicated to Edgartown and the Island throughout her life.”

Ms. Potter shared stories of how the public library had had a great impact on her life as a child and how the magnificent library at Vassar influenced her decision to attend college there.

Edgartown seventh grader Joseph Pinto read from his essay, which won him a netbook computer in the foundation’s annual essay contest. This year’s topic, “If I Were the Edgartown Public Library, I would,” produced over 75 entries. Students weighed in heavily on preserving green space in the proposed plans for a new library.

“If I were the library I think it would be so cool to see the people outside excited about my design,” Joseph said. “Then they would see that the inside was even better than the outside.”

Fourth grader Alexis Condon and second grader Marjorie Pendergraft were runners-up. All three essays are on display at the library this summer.