[Libs-Or] OLA presents the 2025 Awards at Annual Conference in Eugene

[OLA Awards]

Date:  April 28, 2025

Oregon Library Association presents the 2025 Awards at Annual Conference in
Eugene

On April 25, 2025, the Oregon Library Association (OLA) presented the
following awards to individuals in recognition of their work in support of
libraries in Oregon. OLA congratulates award recipients and is pleased to
honor them for their commitment, support, and promotion of Oregon
libraries. For more information about OLA Awards, see the Awards Committee
website: https://www.olaweb.org/awards-committee

Librarian of the Year: Kate Lasky. Kate was recognized for outstanding
leadership, ingenuity, grace, and fierce advocacy and dedication to library
services in Josephine county and to OLA. She currently serves as the
Library Director of the Josephine Community Library District and is
co-chair of the OLA Legislative Committee.

Library Employee of the Year: Bahram Refaei. Bahram was recognized for his
care for students, leadership and advocacy for library services, and
outstanding service to Linfield University in McMinnville. He is currently
the Director of Access Services and has served in many roles during his 35+
year career at the Nicholson Library.

OLA Library Supporter of the Year Award: Mary Beechler. Mary was recognized
for her long standing advocacy and service to libraries in Wasco county.
She spent three decades as a school librarian for the South Wasco County
School District, has served four terms on the Wasco County Library District
Board, and is a dedicated volunteer at the Southern Wasco County Library in
Maupin.

OLA EDI Antiracism Recognition Award: Alicia Pérez Ververa. Alicia was
recognized for her work to create welcoming library space for all
communities and her commitment to creating a library profession that is
diverse, supportive and inclusive of all. She is the Spanish Bilingual
Adult Services Librarian at the Happy Valley Library.

OLA Past President Recognition: Ericka Brunson-Rochette. Ericka was
recognized for her outstanding service and leadership as OLA
Vice-President, President, and Past President from 2024-2025. She is the
Community Engagement Consultant for the State Library of Oregon.

OLA President’s Award: Jean Gritter. Jean was recognized by the OLA
President Ayn Reyes Frazee for her significant work and lasting impact on
school library advocacy. She is the Teacher-Librarian at West Albany High
School and serves as the District Librarian for Greater Albany Public
Schools.

OLA President’s Accomplice Award: Kristen Curé. Kristen was recognized by
OLA President Ayn Reyes Frazee for being a true accomplice to her BIPOC
colleagues through her work, words, and actions. She is the Latino Liaison
and Spanish Services Librarian at the Springfield Public Library & History
Museum.

OLA Intellectual Freedom Champion of the Year Award: Eva Pieper. Eva was
recognized for outstanding efforts in promoting the principles of
intellectual freedom in Oregon by the OLA Intellectual Freedom Committee.
She is the District Librarian for the Grants Pass School District.

The Oregon Library Association <https://www.olaweb.org/> provides advocacy,
education, leadership and collaboration to continually strengthen Oregon’s
libraries and the communities they serve. Approximately  1,000 librarians,
library employees, and library supporters are part of the association.


For More Information:

Oregon Library Association

Arlene Weible, Chair, OLA  Awards Committee

olaawards at olaweb.org
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