Jessica Gleason, a 2008 graduate of the LIS program, has been named one of the ten recipients of the 2025 I Love My Librarian Award, presented by the American Library Association. Based on Maui, Gleason serves as a bookmobile librarian and remained a vital resource for the Lāhainā community following the devastating fires of 2023. Within a month of the disaster, she identified key locations where the bookmobile could reach the greatest number of people. Collaborating with shopping centers, schools, churches, hotels, and government offices, she provided books, internet access, and educational programming, along with essential items such as meals and clothing for families in need. Throughout the crisis, Gleason was a steady presence and a driving force for positive action within both her team and the broader community. Each of the ten honorees received a $5,000 award, along with complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend LibLearnX. This year, nearly 1,300 nominations were submitted from across the country. The 2025 awardees include four academic librarians, three public librarians, and three school librarians. ALA President Cindy Hohl praised the recipients, saying, “These honorees are inspiring examples of what is possible in our profession. Their stories are a testament to the profound leadership, compassion, and expertise of our nation’s librarians.”
Editor’s note: The above excerpts were taken from American Libraries, May 2005. The full article is available in the publication.