Time is running out to nominate your favorite librarian for the 2026 I Love My Librarian Award!
Ten librarians from across the U.S. will be selected from more than 1,000 nominations to receive the coveted award, which includes a $5,000 prize. Your favorite librarian could be among the winners! Nominations are being accepted online through Monday, December 15, 2025. That’s next week!
From innovative programs to improving access to resources and services to promoting literacy and so much more, librarians everywhere work to transform their communities in creative and positive ways. The I Love My Librarian Award recognizes librarians in public, school, and college/university libraries who have gone above and beyond for their communities.
The award is highly competitive. Last year, library users across the country submitted nearly 1,300 nominations for the award. Since the award’s inception in 2008, only 170 librarians have received this honor. While only 10 librarians will be selected for the award this year, have no fear: All nominated librarians will receive copies of their nominations and see how much their communities love them.
Submit your nominations online through Monday, December 15, 2025. Don’t delay—get those nominations to us today!
Want to help your librarian stand out from the crowd? Check out our tips for writing a strong nomination. You can also help us spread the love for librarians everywhere with our free promotional tools!
The I Love My Librarian Award is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, with additional support from The New York Public Library. The award is administered by the American Library Association, which promotes the value of libraries and library workers everywhere.
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At the American Library Association, we are here to protect libraries — today and for generations to come. What does your donation do? It helps a neighbor gain skills to start a business. It helps a child discover themselves through books and programs. And it helps keep libraries strong, open, and free for everyone.
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