[Libs-Or] OLA presents 2026 Awards at Annual Conference in Portland

[OLA Awards]

On April 24, 2026, the Oregon Library Association (OLA) announced the
following awards to individuals in recognition of their work to support
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

Nominations for the 2027 OLA Awards will open in January 2027. To receive a
notification when nominations open, please go to the 2027 Awards Reminder
Request
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXTVN6WPvnlm_jnSMumglHXpn4CQieawJmSqsUTV_89eO8eA/viewform>
 form.
*2026 OLA Awards*

*Librarian of the Year - Marie Felgentrager*

Marie was honored for outstanding leadership and her talent for cultivating
community among students, educators, and school library staff in southern
Oregon. She also was recognized for steady, expert and courageous support
for Oregon library staff navigating challenges to intellectual freedom. She
serves as the District Librarian for Roseburg Public Schools and is a
member of the OLA Intellectual Freedom Committee.

*Library Employee of the Year - Beth Ross and Jon Georg*

Beth and Jon were honored for their exceptional communication and dedicated
support for libraries in the Sage Library System during a challenging year
of budget and cybersecurity threats. As Systems Manager and Systems
Specialist with a combined 32 years of experience, they support 55 diverse
libraries across 15 counties in Central and Eastern Oregon.

*Library Supporter of the Year Award - David Rivinus*

David was honored for his sustained leadership and tireless advocacy for
the Yachats Public Library, culminating in the successful dedication of its
new facility in February 2026. As Chair of the Yachats Library Commission
from 2019 to 2026, David navigated project setbacks with unwavering
resolve. His hands-on contributions—from high-level coordination to the
physical work of securing shelving and moving collections—were instrumental
in bringing this long-awaited community vision to life.

*Library Supporter of the Year Award - Erin Borla*

Erin was honored for her advocacy for Oregon’s rural libraries. Under her
direction as executive director and trustee, the Roundhouse Foundation has
made substantial and specific investments in the Oregon library community
during an uncertain funding landscape. Her work has expanded opportunities,
strengthened services, and affirmed the essential role that libraries play
in rural life.

*OLA EDI Antiracism Recognition Award - Brittany Young*

Brittany was honored for her dedicated work in dismantling systemic
barriers within librarianship and her advocacy for a fair, accessible
justice system in Oregon. Recognized for her empathetic and antiracist
leadership across various OLA roles, she is also a key contributor to the
podcast OVERDUE: Weeding Out Oppression in Libraries
<https://www.olaweb.org/ola-edi-antiracism-committee---Podcast>. Brittany
currently serves as the Lane County Law Librarian and is an active member
of the OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee.

*OLA Distinguished Service Award - Arlene Weible*

Arlene was honored for her long service to Oregon libraries and the Oregon
Library Association. She has consistently and passionately worked to build
a stronger library community, statewide library association, and state
library, all while ensuring Oregonians can access the information they need
to keep their state and federal governments accountable. She is currently a
Library Consultant and the Oregon Federal Regional Depository Coordinator
at the State Library of Oregon.

*OLA Past President Recognition - Ayn Reyes Frazee*

Ayn was recognized for her outstanding service and leadership as OLA
Vice-President, President, and Past President from 2025-2026. She is a
Teacher Librarian at Franklin High School in the Portland Public School
District.

*OLA Children’s Services Division Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award - Delia
Palomeque Morales*

Delia was recognized for her outstanding contributions to children’s
library services in the state of Oregon. She is a longtime advocate of
children who speak Spanish and Indigenous languages, having created the
Listos para el Kinder program and Bolisitas de Bienvenidos a la Lectura
kits for the Multnomah County Library.

*OLA Intellectual Freedom Champion of the Year Award - Jennifer McKenzie*

Jennifer was recognized for her unwavering commitment to students’ freedom
to read during her tenure as the District Librarian in Siuslaw School
District. She is currently serving as the Dean of Students in the Mapleton
School District.
The Oregon Young Adult Network OYEA! Award
<https://ola.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=211>
and 2025 Oregon Association of School Libraries award recipients
<https://www.olaweb.org/oasl-awards> were also announced at the April 24
ceremony.


Posted on behalf of the OLA Awards Committee
olaawards at olaweb.org
https://www.olaweb.org/awards-committee
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