Brittani Sterling, Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies Librarian at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas (UNLV), was named a 2025 Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her online workshops and UNLV Libraries program “We Need to Talk: Conversations on Racism for a More Resilient Las Vegas.” LJ spoke with Sterling about academic advocacy, talking about systemic racism in Las Vegas, and being in the public eye as an introvert-leaning ambivert.

Kayleen Jones, Education and Human Service Professions Librarian at the University of Minnesota–Duluth (UMD) Kathryn A. Martin Library, was named a 2025 Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her work launching the Antiracist Literary Advisory Board. Together with her library colleagues and the UMD Education faculty, Jones created the platform for Education students to learn about identifying needs around representation in children’s publishing and exploring ways to fill them. LJ spoke with Jones about the genesis of the project, and how it impacted those who participated.

A holistic approach to literacy in the broadest sense, and a commitment to open and equitable access, has earned HCPL the 2026 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership with the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation.

The 2025–26 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize has gone to Harris County Public Library, TX, for its prioritization of literacy and equitable access. Out of many deserving entries, two others stood out as well for their strong local partnerships, resilience, and creative approach to service.

LJ’s Librarian of the Year award celebrates great work being done—and helps us remember how it evolved.

For his work bringing partners from across the county to drive innovation and change lives, Las Vegas–Clark County Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson is LJ’s 2026 Librarian of the Year. 

Janet Hyunju Clarke, associate dean of research and learning at Stony Brook University (SBU) Libraries, NY, was named a 2025 Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her campus-wide collaborations to create needed support and social systems for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. LJ spoke with Clarke about how SBU’s AAPI Mentorship Network and AAPI Heritages Committee have evolved and grown.

After averting a cyberattack with a systemwide shutdown, Calgary Public Library brought staff and patrons along on its recovery journey. Santa Fe Springs City Library, CA, and Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, FL, received honorable mentions.

The American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Foundation has announced the five winners of the 2025 Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Banned Books Week Programming Grants. The $1,000 grants help support public, academic, and special libraries; schools; and nonprofit organizations offering innovative and engaging programming for Banned Books Week, October 5–11.