OLA Award Recipients 

 

OLA Anti-Racism Recognition Award

OLA Distinguished Service Award

Oregon Librarian of the Year

Library Employee of the Year

Library Supporter of the Year 

OLA Honorary Lifetime Membership Recipients  

Legislator of the Year 

OLA President's Awards

 

Book Awards: The ORCA - Oregon Reader's Choice Award

 

Other OLA Awards:
ACRL (Association for College and Research Libraries)--Award for Excellence

Children's Services Division--Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award

Intellectual Freedom Committee -- Intellectual Freedom Champion Award

OYAN (Oregon Young Adult Network)--OYEA! You're Excellent Award

Public Library Division - Pearl Award 

OLA EDI Anti-Racism Recognition Award

This award may be awarded to any Oregon Library or library employee with an outstanding commitment to anti-racism. Nominee must show a proven track record of creating antiracist change in their library or library system in at least one of the areas: 1) contribute to the success of an initiative that empowers oppressed minorities and disadvantage individuals; 2) help destroying systematic/structural racism in their library or library systems; 3) inspire and encourage Anti-Racism culture at their libraries, presenting, implementing or revamping EDI processes, procedures, terms, conditions and code of conduct to better reflect anti-racism principles; 4) advocate, participate in outreach and community work dedicated to oppressed minorities and disadvantaged individuals; or 5) create a pipeline for BIPOC to become library staff.  Award created in February 2021.

OLA Distinguished Service Award

The OLA Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to any Oregon Librarian or library staff member, who has been in the profession for 15 years or more years, has worked in Oregon libraries for at least ten years, and is currently a member of OLA, for exceptional service over a period of years.

  • Margaret Harmon-Myers (2023) | Awards Luncheon
  • Steven Engelfried (2022) | award acceptance video
  • Sara Charlton (2020)
  • Maureen Cole (2019)
  • Lisa Sjoblom (2019)
  • Shirley Roberts (2018)
  • Mary Finnegan (2016)
  • Peggy Christensen (2015)
  • Deborah A. Carver (2014)
  • Janet Webster (2013)
  • Ellen Fader (2012)
  • Pierina (Perri) Parise (2011)
  • Deb Hollens  (2010)
  • Rebecca Cohen (2009)
  • Robin Beerbower (2009)
  • Jan Griffin (2008)
  • Deanna Iltis (2006)
  • June Mikkelsen (2005)
  • B.J. Quinlan (2005)
  • Aletha Bonebrake (2004) 

Oregon Librarian of the Year

 This award is given to a professional librarian who has demonstrated excellence in library service in Oregon. The librarian must have worked for pay in an Oregon library for at least two years. The nominee must be a member of OLA.

  • Emily O'Neal, Deschutes Public Library (2024) | Awards Luncheon (link coming soon!)
  • Crook County Library (2023). | Awards Luncheon
  • Marci Ramiro-Jenkins (2022)  | award acceptance video
  • The Staff and Librarians at the State Library of Oregon (2021) | awards presentation
  • Jeremy Skinner, Curry Public Library, (2019)
  • Pat Duke (2018)
  • Martin Blasco (2017)
  • Kathryn Kohl (2016)
  • Ted Smith (2015) 
  • Heather McNeil (2014)
  • Eva Calcagno (2013)
  • Ruth Murray (2012)
  • Anne-Marie Deitering (2011) 
  • Mary Ginnane  (2010)
  • Gary Sharp (2009)
  • Michael Gaston (2008)
  • Teresa Landers (2007)
  • Marie Baldo (2006)
  • Caleb Tucker Raymond (2006)
  • Ronnie Budge (2004)
  • Janet Webster (2003)
  • Patty Cutright (2002)
  • Connie Bennett (2001)
  • Gail Warner (2000)
  • Deborah Carver (1999)
  • Karyle Butcher (1998)
  • Andy Swanson (1997)
  • Jim Scheppke (1996)
  • Sara Charlton (1995)
  • Deborah Jacobs (1994)
  • Carol Hildebrand (1993)
  • Ken Reading (1992)
  • George Happ (1991)

 

Library Employee of the Year

This award is given to a library employee who is committed to providing excellent library service to the community. The recipient has shown leadership, initiative, and willingness to share skills with the organization.

  • Robin Dawson, Gladstone and Oak Lodge Library (2024) | Awards Luncheon (link coming soon!)
  • Crooks County Library (2023). |  Awards Luncheon
  • Laruen Calbreath, Westridge Elementary School, Lake Oswego (2021) | awards presentation
  • Lee Evans, WCCLS Library Materials Distribution Supervisor (2019)
  • Cindy York (2017)
  • Charleene Wood (2016)
  • Margaret Harmon-Myers (2015)
  • Sara Brehm (2014)
  • Laurie Mintz (2013)
  • Rea Andrew (2012)
  • Sandi Ritchie (2011)
  • Nancy Price  (2010)
  • Susan Gilmont (2009)
  • Marcia Poehler (2007)
  • Carolee Harrison (2006)
  • Renea Arnold (2005)
  • Tobe Porter (2005)
  • Nancy Pardon (2004)
  • Heidi Florenzen and Linda Weight (2003)
  • Pam Pugsley(2002)
  • Wanda Fitch (2001)
  • Judy Brunkal (2000)
  • Chantal Strobel (1999)
  • Robyn Cram (1998)
  • Shirien Stevens (1997)
  • Judi Beaty (1996)
  • Linda Bellock (1995)
  • Jey Wann (1994)
  • Robin Beerbower (1993)
  • Donetta Sheffold (1992)
  • Charlotte Lee (1991)

Library Supporter of the Year
This award is given to someone involved in various library activities on an unpaid basis. This may be as a volunteer, friend, board member, government official, or individual. The recipient should be one who has shown commitment to supporting and promoting Oregon libraries.

  • Friends of Driftwood Library (2024)  | Awards Luncheon (link coming soon!)
  • Deborah Johns (2024), Athena Library Friends Association |  Awards Luncheon (link coming soon!)
  • Karen Salman (2023), Springfield Public Library and History Museum | Awards Luncheon
  • Keith and Margaret "Pepper" Teem (2023) Mt. Angel Public Library | Awards Luncheon
  • Salem Public Library Foundation (2022) | award acceptance video
  • Barbara Wright, Friends of Hillsboro Public Library (2021) | awards presentation
  • Lance Colley, Roseburg City Manager, & Michael Lasher, Douglas Education Service District Superintendent, Roseburg Public Library (2019)
  • Josephine Community Libraries, Inc. Board (2018)
  • Aloha Community Library Association (2017)
  • Linda Baker,  Jefferson (city) Public Library (2017)
  • OC Backs the Carnegie Political Action Committee (2015) Oregon City Public Library 
  • Dawn Prochovnic, Debbie Plawner, Mitzi Sandman (2015) Parent supporters, Beaverton school libraries
  • Grace Scatterday (2014) Dallas Public Library
  • Brian Wilson (2013) Multnomah County Library 
  • Ann Malkin (2012) Deschutes Public Library
  • Heather Staten and Arthur Babitz (2011), Hood River County Library District
  • Harry Bodine (2011), Washington County Libraries
  • Betsy Priddy (2010)
  • George Hoyt (Clackamas County Libraries supporter) 2009
  • Stayton Public Library Foundation (2008)
  • Freda Vars (2007)
  • Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) Teams (handler and dog) throughout Oregon (2007)
  • Alsea Community Effort(2006)
  • Wayne and Jeanne Holm, Cindy Hirst, and The Friends of the North Plains Public Library(2006)
  • Barbara Wright(2006)
  • Bill and Verlean McCoy (2005)
  • Friends of the Driftwood Public Library (2004)
  • The Olmstead Family (2003)
  • Oregon Trail Internet(2002)
  • Alison Baker Relling (2001)
  • Craig Berkman (2000)
  • Kent Taylor (1999)
  • Virginia Hite (1998)
  • Jon Nelson (1997)
  • Ed Ohlmann (1996)
  • Mary Hoffman (1995)
  • Mike Duncanson (1994)
  • Douglas Bennett (1993)
  • Jackie Sutton (1992)
  • Anne Carter (1991) 

  

OLA Honorary Lifetime Membership Recipients

  • MaryKay Dahlgreen (2024)
  • Jane Corry (2019)
  • Perri Parise (2019)
  • Nan Heim (2018)
  • Allen Kopf (2014) OASL
  • Ed House (2013)
  • Steve Skidmore (2013)
  • Sheryl Steinke (2012)
  • Jim Scheppke (2011)
  • June Knudson (2011)
  • Mryna (Yvonne) Williams  (2010)
  • Anne Billeter, Jackson County Library (2009)
  • Richard Turi, North Bend (2008)
  • Ronnie Budge, Jackson County Library (2007)
  • Candace Morgan (2004)
  • Senator Cliff Trow (2002)


Legislator of the Year

OLA has always seen the wisdom of acknowledging our friends. The Library Development and Legislation Committee selects legislators who have been particularly supportive of OLA's legislative agenda. Legislators of the Year are members of Congress who helped Oregon's as well as the nation's libraries and members of the Oregon Legislature who have protected freedom of speech, championed new ways of financing library services, and improved the quality of library services for Oregonians.

  • Senator Lew Frederick (D-N/NE Portland) (2024)
  • Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County) (2024)
  • Senator Margaret Carter (D-Portland) (2010). Presented at the 2010 OLA Banquet in Portland  
  • Rep. Peter Buckley (D- Ashland) (2010). Presented locally  
  • Rep. Vicki Berger (R-Salem) (2006). Presented at the 2006 OLA Conference in Salem
  • Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland) (2004).  Presented at the 2004 OLA Conference in Eugene
  • Rep. Rob Patridge (R-Medford) and Senator Susan Castillo (D-Eugene). Presented locally. (1999)
  • Ben Westlund (R-Redmond) Presented locally. (1997)
  • Rep. Denny Jones (R-Ontario) Presented locally. (1995)
  • Senator Cliff Trow and Senator Stan Bunn (R-McMinnville) Presented locally. (1994)
  • Senator Cliff Trow (D-Corvallis) Presented in Corvallis. (1992)
  • Senator Joyce Cohen (D-Lake Oswego) Presented at the OLA Conference in Portland. (1990)
  • Senator Frank Roberts (D-Portland) Presented at Multnomah County Library. (1988)
  • Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-West Linn) Presented at a Legislative Committee meeting at Marylhurst College. (1986)

 

  OLA President's Award

  • Liisa Sjoblom (2024) | 
  • Roxanne Renteria (2023) | Awards Luncheon
  • Kate Lasky (2022)
  • Marci Ramiro-Jenkins (2020 & 2021) | awards presentation
  • Buzzy Nielsen (2019)
  • Leah Griffith (2018)
  • Shirley Roberts (2017)

OLA President's Accomplice Award

Presented to an OLA member for being a true accomplice to BIPOC colleagues though works, words and actions.

 

 Updated 5/1/2024