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Congratulations to Dr. Linda Golian-Lui, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award |
This year’s honoree has been a dedicated advocate for elevating the stature of Florida libraries. Having served in various roles across the state, she has worked tirelessly to enhance library services, expand access to resources, and provide essential support to communities. She understands that her role is to strengthen the library’s standing within the state and has championed initiatives to expand learning spaces and integrate cutting-edge technology to support student success and faculty teaching. |
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Congratulations to Steve Powell, winner of the Administrator of the Year Award |
This year’s honoree has been dedicated to helping the library become more accessible and visible in our community. He has worked with our Board of Trustees to find common ground on eliminating fines for overdue materials, he has built bridges with elected officials, and he has focused on bringing the library to the people, rather than waiting for people to come to us. Reducing barriers to service has been a theme in this honoree’s leadership. |
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Congratulations to Melissa Bale, winner of the Librarian of the Year Award |
This year’s honoree is a children's librarian with an outstanding work ethic and passion for library services who should be a model for others in the profession. She cares deeply about supporting patrons with literacy and educational development. She is an inspiration and leader to staff, encouraging others to be intentional in their programming decisions and proud of the work they present. An example of this includes her coordination of the Children's Book Council Favorites voting, which resulted in Largo Public Library being listed on the 2024 CBC Favorites Awards List and earned the library over 600 free children's books. |
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Congratulations to Christina Burgos, winner of the 2025 Outstanding New Librarian Award |
This new librarian has revitalized youth services with fresh energy, creativity, and community engagement. Through innovative programs like pop-culture themed parties, sensory storytimes, and dynamic outreach, she has dramatically increased program attendance and strengthened connections with local schools and nonprofits. Her leadership and enthusiasm are already shaping the future of librarianship. |
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Congratulations to Dale Larrimore, winner of the 2025 Outstanding Paraprofessional Award |
This year’s winner has spent nearly two decades ensuring library spaces are safe, efficient, and welcoming. Managing facilities across 15 locations, he brings creativity and craftsmanship to every project — from hurricane recovery to building custom outreach vehicles — while mentoring staff and safeguarding resources with skill and heart. |
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Congratulations to Seminole County Library, winner of the Library of the Year Award |
This Library drastically increased summer participation among youth. Their youth programs support unique, innovative STEAM enrichment. Adult programs utilize pioneering partnerships and promote lifelong learning, art, history, and small business growth. They support English language learners and those with mobility challenges. They teach tech skills, invest in professional development, and receive press recognition. |
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Congratulations to Seminole County Public Library, winner of the Innovative Program or Service Award |
This year's honoree increased the number of local history programs at their libraries, which have been a hit with the community. Last summer, they debuted an “Amazing Race”-style challenge (The Great Seminole County Adventure) in partnership with local museums. The challenge inspired families’ curiosity about the past, bolstered their engagement with our libraries and museums alike, and prompted at least 583 Library-user visits. |
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Congratulations to Orange County Library System, winner of the 2025 Communications Excellence Award |
This institution launched a vibrant rebranding campaign that refreshed the library's image across web, social media, print, and community spaces. Through creative design, clear messaging, and strong community engagement, their efforts strengthened connections, expanded outreach, and showcased the library’s evolving role as a welcoming and forward-thinking community hub. |
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Congratulations to Volusia County Public Library System, winner of the Libraries Mean Business Award |
In 2024, This Library joined forces with Volusia County's Economic Development Division to develop a specialized library card and related services for local small businesses and entrepreneurs. By November, the Acuity Business Pass program was born and launched. The Acuity Business Pass promotes the connection of small businesses in Volusia County to the beneficial resources and information available through this library’s system. The Acuity Business Pass initiative innovatively merges the library system's databases, print/online/facility resources, and vast expertise as a reliable information hub with Volusia County Economic Development Division's expansive networking capabilities and access to an enormity of local business subject experts to create a dedicated small business library card and services platform, free of charge. |
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Congratulations to Vote FOR our Maitland Library, winner of the 2025 Eileen Brunner Library Champion Award |
This year's award honors a passionate group of volunteers whose grassroots advocacy secured funding for a new library building and park renovation. Through tireless outreach, strategic planning, and community engagement, their efforts nearly doubled voter turnout and ensured the library’s future as a vibrant hub for generations to come. |
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Congratulations to George Feaster, winner of the 2025 Outstanding Citizen Award |
This year’s honoree has spent decades championing library growth, advancement, and outreach. Through tireless fundraising efforts, he helped create a state-of-the-art library facility and launched one of the region’s most impactful bookmobile services. His leadership, advocacy, and deep-rooted community spirit have left a lasting legacy of literacy, access, and opportunity. |
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Congratulations to The Florida Panthers Foundation, winner of the 2025 Outstanding Business or Media Partner Award |
This foundation has created lasting community impact by connecting literacy and sports through dynamic outreach. From launching a limited-edition library card to hosting family reading events and funding key literacy initiatives, their support has helped expand library access, inspire young readers, and strengthen community pride. |
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Congratulations to the Palm Beach County Library System, winner of the 2025 Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change People's Lives" Award |
This Library has created a welcoming, accessible environment for individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusion through hundreds of thoughtfully designed programs. By developing new partnerships, providing staff training, and creating tools to expand accessible services, they have made lasting strides toward a more inclusive library experience for all. |
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Congratulations to Jennifer Movic, winner of the 2025 Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award for Children’s Services |
This year’s honoree designed a creative program that combines sports and literacy to spark a love of reading among young audiences. By partnering with athletes, local businesses, and the community, this program boosted circulation, expanded outreach, and engaged new readers through dynamic, hands-on experiences that connect physical activity with the power of books. |
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Congratulations to Daniel Jones, winner of the 2025 Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award for Teen Services |
This year’s recipient developed a transformative program that empowers teens as leaders, mentors, and creators within the library and the broader community. By fostering youth-led events, service projects, and STEAM initiatives, this program has strengthened library engagement, boosted literacy, and built lasting partnerships with local schools and organizations. |
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