The American Library Association has granted its prestigious “I Love My Librarian Award to Mary Anne Russo of the Hubbard Public Library.
The annual award recognizes the outstanding public service contributions of librarians working in public, school, college, community college or university libraries across the country.
Russo will be formally recognized in June during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.
Russo, who recently retired from library service after 42 years, transformed the Children’s Room at Hubbard Public Library from a dark basement into a vibrant, welcoming space that inspires learning and imagination.
Through a thoughtful redesign featuring natural light, dedicated program areas and a sensory garden, Russo created a hub for families and children.
Beyond the space, she launched impactful initiatives, including school outreach programs, a Toy Lending Library, an intergenerational reading and activities program (coordinated with a local assisted living facility) and a permanent StoryWalk. Russo is recognized for leaving a legacy of innovation, access and community engagement.
Russo was among 1,300 nominations. Ten honorees were nominated by community members for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact on the people in their communities.
Nominations focused on librarians’ outstanding service, including expanding access to literacy and library services, outreach within their communities and supporting the needs of the most vulnerable. This year’s award recipients include three academic librarians, four public librarians and three school librarians.
“As ALA marks its 150th commemoration, we recognize the remarkable contributions these ten librarians make for our communities, for learning, for our health and for the public good. 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,” said ALA President Sam Helmick.
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. The award ceremony and reception occurs on Friday, June 26.
Honorees include:
- Mary Anne Russo, Hubbard Public Library, Hubbard.
- Mahasin Ameen, Indiana University, Indianapolis.
- Valerie Byrd Fort, University of South Carolina/South Carolina Community Center for Literacy, Columbia, S.C.
- Jenny Cox, Georgetown Middle School, Georgetown, S.C.
- Joanne Doucette, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston.
- Tracy Fitzmaurice, Jackson County Public Library (former), Sylva, N.C.
- Mia Gittlen, Milpitas High School, Milpitas, Calif.
- Deb Sica, Alameda County Library, Fremont, Calif.
- Zachary Stier, Ericson Public Library, Boone, Iowa.
- Christine Szeluga, Cranford High School, Cranford, N.J.
To learn more about each recipient visit ILoveLibraries.org.
About the American Library Association – The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
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