MANCHESTER — It has not been an easy year for the Manchester City Library, but Director Denise Van Zanten’s savvy budgeting skills, innovative ideas and rave reviews from the library Board of Trustees has earned her the New Hampshire Library Director of the Year award.

Van Zanten will be presented with the honor at 1 p.m. today at the Manchester City Library during a small ceremony open to the public. Leadership from the New Hampshire Library Trustees, which gives the annual award, will attend, as well as the library trustees and Mayor Ted Gatsas.

“Denise took the helm five years ago, and the amazing changes she’s made have just brought (the library) up to a new level,” said Joannie Barrett, chairwoman of the Manchester City Library Board of Trustees. “She has a great rapport with the staff and is always on top of things. ... With the city budget, it’s been tough for everyone, but she’s been handling it very well.”

The honor comes after a year that saw library staff layoffs and the near closure of the West Side library branch. Barrett said the trustees unanimous decision to nominate Van Zanten for the award was in part based on how she has continued to bring innovative ideas to the library despite financial limitations.

“Denise has dealt with a budget crisis every year since taking over as director,” the trustees wrote in her recommendation. “In spite of this, she has managed to maintain library services, add hours and add new programming.”

Van Zanten has increased the city’s access to technology by implementing free wireless Internet access for patrons, implementing an electronic book-lending system and upgrading the library’s public computers. She also implemented a discount program at local businesses for library cardholders, has overseen major renovations and facility improvements at the main branch and increased security.

Barrett also mentioned Van Zanten’s relationship with staff, even when the budget forced cutbacks. The trustees mentioned improved communication with staff, better training and even finding a way to give the low-paid circulation desk staff a raise.

“I am very proud of what our library staff has accomplished during my tenure as director,” Van Zanten told the trustees when learning about her nomination. “We have seen our budget decrease, yet we remain relevant and offer more services now than we did in 2005 to the Manchester community. Our talented library staff often goes above and beyond to make our libraries the best they can be with our limited budget.”

Van Zanten shares the 2011 award with Hill Public Library Director Lynn Christopher.