CHICAGO, Illinois—The American Library Association (ALA) is thrilled to announce this year’s 10 recipients of the coveted I Love My Librarian Award. Serving communities across the nation, the 2026 honorees are exceptional librarians from academic, public, and school libraries who were nominated by community members for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact on the people in their communities.
“As ALA marks its 150th commemoration, we recognize the remarkable contributions these 10 librarians make for our communities, for learning, for our health and for the public good,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “These librarians are people who power possibility in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our places of higher learning. Their leadership, creativity, and innovation strengthen the communities they serve, and we are proud to honor them.”
ALA received more than 1,300 nominations from library users for this year’s award, which demonstrates the breadth of impact of librarians across the country. Nominations focused on librarians’ outstanding service, including expanding access to literacy and library services, outreach within their communities, supporting the needs of the most vulnerable, and more. This year’s award recipients include three academic librarians, four public librarians, and three school librarians.
Honorees will each receive a $5,000 cash prize as well as complimentary registration and a $750 travel stipend to attend the 2026 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago from June 25-29. The award ceremony and reception will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday, June 26.
Ericson Public Library’s Children’s Librarian, Zachary Stier, was one of the ten selected to be recognized at the Conference in late June.
The ALA’s announcement says: Zachary Stier, director of children’s services at Ericson Public Library, has transformed the library into a community-centered hub for learning and connection. During his 15-year tenure, he has created innovative literacy and STEAM programs, helped forged more than 50 partnerships, and expanded access for learners of all ages. The Little Engines project, which Stier co-created, has driven tens of thousands of additional reading minutes, while his Activating Community Voices program brings experts and residents together to address education, mental health, and civic engagement which strengthened community bonds and reinforced libraries’ vital social role.
Zachery Stier, Mr. “Z”, Ericson Public Library
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