Oregon Library Association Presents 2024 Awards at Annual Conference
On April 26, 2024, the Oregon Library Association (OLA) presented the following awards to individuals or organizations 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.
Librarian of the Year: Emily O’Neal. Emily serves as the Chair of OLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Technical Services Round Table, and as the Technical Services Manager at Deschutes Public Library. She was recognized for her outstanding service and dedicated support of Oregon libraries faced with book challenges, her generosity in sharing her expertise with Oregon library staff, her skillful representation of OLA in media interviews, and her tireless advocacy for intellectual freedom.
Library Employee of the Year: Robin Dawson. Robin was recognized for her excellent service and outstanding dedication, reliability, and innovation in her role as circulation supervisor for the Gladstone & Oak Lodge Libraries.
OLA Library Supporter of the Year Award: Friends of Driftwood Library. This group was recognized for their support, enthusiasm, and fierce advocacy for the Driftwood Library and the Lincoln City community.
OLA Library Supporter of the Year Award: Deborah Johns. Deb was recognized for her long and dedicated service to the Athena Library Friends Association and the Athena Public Library board.
OLA EDI Antiracism Recognition Award: Roxanne Renteria and LaRee Dominguez. Roxanne and LaRee serve as co-chairs of the OLA Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism Committee. They were recognized for their commitment, courage, empathy and action in antiracism work.
OLA Honorary Lifetime Membership: MaryKay Dahlgreen. MaryKay was recognized for her dedicated work, boundless energy, extensive expertise, and fearless leadership that has made a lasting impact on OLA and the greater Oregon library landscape. She served as the State Librarian of Oregon from 2012-2018 and recently retired from her position as director of the Lincoln County Library District.
OLA Past President Recognition: Star Khan. Star was recognized for her outstanding service and leadership as OLA Vice-President, President, and Past President from 2022-2024.
OLA President’s Award: Liisa Sjoblom. Liisa was recognized by the OLA President Ericka Brunson-Rochette for her ongoing efforts to support opportunities for people to connect, future leaders to grow, and libraries to thrive.
OLA President’s Accomplice Award: Darci Hanning. Darci was recognized by OLA President Ericka Brunson-Rochette for being a true accomplice to her BIPOC colleagues through her work, words, and actions.
OLA Legislator of the Year Award: Senator Lew Fredrick and Representative Pam Marsh. Sen. Frederick and Rep. Marsh were recognized by the OLA Legislative Committee for their support of libraries in the Oregon State Legislature.
OLA Intellectual Freedom Champion of the Year Award: Miranda Doyle and Darin Stewart. Miranda and Darin were recognized for their outstanding efforts in promoting the principles of intellectual freedom in Oregon.
The Oregon Library Association 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.