Indiana Library Federation

2026 ILF Awards & Honors

Celebrating Excellence Across Indiana’s Library Community

Each year, the Indiana Library Federation recognizes the individuals, organizations, and advocates whose leadership, service, innovation, and commitment strengthen libraries and communities across Indiana.

To Be Presented November 10, 2026 | ILF Annual Conference

Meet the 2026 Honorees

 

The 2026 ILF Awards & Honors recipients represent the dedication, creativity, courage, and service found throughout Indiana’s library community. Their work expands access to information, advances literacy, strengthens professional practice, protects intellectual freedom, and helps libraries and their communities thrive.

2026 Tom Zupancic Literacy in Libraries Award recipient Regina Warren Ellison

Tom Zupancic Literacy in Libraries Award

Regina Warren Ellison

Director of Literacy | South Bend Community School Corporation

Recognizing outstanding community advocacy for literacy undertaken in cooperation with a library.

Regina Warren Ellison was selected for her tireless efforts to advance literacy and create meaningful opportunities for students to become confident, lifelong readers.

Through her partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library, Regina has helped facilitate the SB READy initiative. The effort connects students with library resources through staff visits, read-aloud opportunities, transportation to the library, and other experiences designed to strengthen reading skills and engagement.

Literacy through partnershipRegina’s work demonstrates what is possible when schools, libraries, and communities work together to help young readers succeed.

Federation Volunteer Award

Beka Lemons

Director | Huntington City-Township Public Library

Honoring exceptional volunteer service, leadership, and contributions to the Indiana Library Federation.

Beka Lemons has dedicated extensive time, energy, and professional expertise to strengthening library leadership across Indiana.

Beka has played a leading role in the creation and implementation of the annual ILF Management Training Cohort, including the development of curriculum and accompanying materials. Beka also serves on the ILF Budget Tactical Team, assisting with the annual Budget Workshop and providing guidance to library directors navigating complex budget matters.

Celebrating service beyond the call of dutyBeka’s contributions help library professionals at every level build stronger management and leadership skills.
2026 Federation Volunteer Award recipient Beka Lemons
2026 Outstanding Library Staff Award recipient Hannah Bowman

Outstanding Library Staff Award

Hannah Bowman

Outreach Coordinator | Jefferson County Public Library

Recognizing a non-certified library staff member who has made significant contributions to an Indiana library or media center.

Hannah Bowman’s dedication to outreach ensures that library services reach community members wherever they are. Her work includes community programming, homebound delivery, relationship building, and service aboard Jefferson County Public Library’s bookmobile.

Hannah’s nominators highlighted the care and countless hours she invests in expanding access to library services. Her understanding of the community, commitment to service, and ability to foster meaningful relationships have made a lasting impact.

Outstanding New Librarian Award

Khrisma McMurray

Open Education and Teaching Librarian | IU Indianapolis

Honoring an early-career librarian making important contributions to an employing library and to librarianship at large.

Through open education, collaboration, and student-centered librarianship, Khrisma McMurray is already making a significant impact early in her professional career.

Khrisma champions affordable textbook access and Open Educational Resources while working with students, faculty, and staff as collaborators. Khrisma also helped establish student-focused OER Week programming at IU Indianapolis and serves on several committees supporting literacy, education, and community recognition.

Turning library spaces into sites of student empowermentKhrisma’s approach places accessibility, affordability, and student participation at the center of academic librarianship.
2026 Outstanding New Librarian Award recipient Khrisma McMurray
2026 Outstanding School Librarian Award recipient Terri Ramos

Outstanding School Librarian Award

Terri Ramos

Department Chair, Media & Communications | Carmel High School

Recognizing excellence and innovative leadership in school library service and remarkable service to the profession.

Approaching her 30th year as an Indiana educator, Terri Ramos has built a career centered on students, literacy, leadership, and professional growth.

At Carmel High School, Terri serves as Department Chair for Media and Communications, Library Director, and Supervisor of District Catalogers. Terri also founded the Hamilton County 4-H Reading Project and regularly shares her expertise through professional development, presentations, and library leadership.

Leadership that empowers othersColleagues describe Terri as an innovative and reflective leader who encourages staff members to grow professionally and discover their individual strengths.

Outstanding New School Librarian Award

Haley Billow

District Media Specialist | MSD of Steuben County

Recognizing a current school librarian who is making meaningful contributions to student learning.

Haley Billow moved from teaching high school social studies into the District Media Specialist role in 2023. Haley continues to chair the social studies department while assisting with technology initiatives throughout the district.

Haley’s engagement, creativity, and dedication to service are making important contributions to school librarianship. She also participates in several educational leadership groups and serves on the Carnegie Public Library of Steuben County Board.
2026 Outstanding New School Librarian Award recipient Haley Billow
2026 Outstanding Librarian Award recipient Dr. Gemmicka Piper

Outstanding Librarian Award

Dr. Gemmicka Piper

Education and Humanities Librarian | IU Indianapolis University Library

Recognizing excellence, innovative leadership in the development of library service, and remarkable service to the profession.

Dr. Gemmicka Piper’s work demonstrates how academic librarianship can extend far beyond the reference desk by bringing together mentorship, research, teaching, community engagement, and student success.

As an Education and Humanities Librarian and adjunct instructor, Dr. Piper works at the intersection of graduate education, information and AI literacy, research, writing support, and student mentorship. Her sustained mentorship has become so influential that colleagues refer to it as the “Gemmicka Piper effect.”

Dr. Piper’s community engagement has also supported projects connecting literature, local history, education, and Afrofuturism with young readers and community organizations.

A Lifetime of Service to Indiana Libraries

Lifetime Achievement Award

Gigi Shook

Retired School Librarian | Center Grove Schools

Honoring a librarian whose career and long-standing service have made an exceptional impact on Indiana libraries and communities.

Gigi Shook devoted nearly four decades to serving students through school librarianship at Center Grove Schools before retiring in 2016. Her influence extends across Indiana through extensive professional service, advocacy, mentoring, and volunteer leadership.

Gigi’s service includes leadership with the ILF Board, AISLE, the Young Hoosier Book Award Committee, Read Aloud committees, Indiana Freedom to Read, the Friends of the Johnson County Public Library, and many other professional and community efforts.

A lasting professional legacyGigi’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to libraries, reading, intellectual freedom, mentorship, and community service.
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Gigi Shook
2026 Hoosier Intellectual Freedom Award recipient John Green

Hoosier Intellectual Freedom Award

John Green

Author and Intellectual Freedom Advocate

Recognizing an individual, organization, or group for promoting, supporting, or encouraging intellectual freedom in Indiana.

As book challenges have increased across Indiana and the nation, John Green has used his public platform to defend intellectual freedom, support young readers, and champion the professional expertise of librarians and educators.

John’s advocacy has challenged restrictive collection policies, increased public awareness, and helped create momentum for access to books and information. His work extends from Indiana communities to national legal efforts challenging book-banning laws.

Championing the freedom to readThis recognition celebrates visible, meaningful advocacy for readers, library professionals, educators, and First Amendment rights.

Everyone Counts Award

Shane White

Head of Research Services | University of Southern Indiana

Recognizing demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion through policies, practices, programs, or initiatives.

Shane White’s nominators highlighted his passion, advocacy, and leadership within the Indiana Library Federation and the broader library community.

Shane has served through the Intellectual Freedom Committee, DEJIA efforts, advocacy work, and the ILF Board of Directors. His leadership has included support for programs such as the Mock Challenge, which helps library professionals prepare for and respond to book challenges.

Shane’s work is grounded in the belief that libraries connect people and that library professionals must support one another while working to ensure equitable access to information.

2026 Everyone Counts Award recipient Shane White
2026 Sara Laughlin Marketing Award recipient Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Sara Laughlin Marketing Award

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Communications Team

Recognizing successful, creative, and contemporary library marketing undertaken by an institution, department, program, or initiative.

The Campaign: EVPL Helps You Thrive

The EVPL Helps You Thrive campaign uses personal testimonials and storytelling to demonstrate the value libraries bring to the people and communities they serve.

The campaign was designed to build awareness of EVPL’s diverse services and programs while advocating for the library’s importance within the community. Its central message is simple and powerful: libraries help people live better lives, and when individuals thrive, communities thrive.

Becca ScottDirector of Communications
Heather McKinneyContent Marketing Specialist
Faith ConnellGraphic Design Specialist

Investing in the Future of Librarianship

2026 Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship Recipients

The Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship supports individuals pursuing the education, knowledge, and experience needed to serve the future of libraries and librarianship.

2026 Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship recipient Elizabeth Stuckey

Elizabeth Stuckey

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Elizabeth works in children’s library services and brings a background in elementary education to her commitment to helping children learn, grow, and connect with library resources.

 

STUCKEY PRESS RELEASE HERE

2026 Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship recipient Jessica Fischer

Jessica Fischer

Indianapolis Public Library

Jessica is a digital content specialist, editor, and aspiring librarian pursuing an MLIS with a concentration in Digital Curation. Her work is guided by accuracy, accessibility, and engaging digital experiences.

 

2026 Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship recipient Jessica Fischer

Rain Hubner

Indianapolis Public Library

Rain works as a Public Services Associate while pursuing an MLIS at Valdosta State University. Rain is interested in youth services, cataloging, inclusive library service, and helping patrons connect with resources.

 

Advocacy in Action

2026 ILF Advocacy Awards

Celebrating Champions for Indiana Libraries

ILF’s advocacy awards recognize individuals whose public service, leadership, and advocacy have made an exceptional impact on Indiana libraries and the communities they serve.

Advocacy Award for Exceptional Impact

Recognizing three members of the St. Joseph County Public Library team for advocacy efforts that have supported and strengthened Indiana libraries.

2026 ILF Advocacy Award for Exceptional Impact recipient Adrian Pacheco

Adrian Pacheco

Designer | St. Joseph County Public Library

2026 ILF Advocacy Award for Exceptional Impact recipient Daniel Lichty

Daniel Lichty

St. Joseph County Public Library

2026 ILF Advocacy Award for Exceptional Impact recipient Stephanie Murphy

Stephanie Murphy

St. Joseph County Public Library

Legislative Champion Awards

Honoring public officials whose support and service have advanced and strengthened Indiana libraries.

2026 ILF Legislative Champion Award recipient Senator Fady Qaddoura

Sen. Fady Qaddoura

Recognized for support and service to Indiana libraries.

 

QADDOURA PRESS RELEASE HERE

2026 ILF Legislative Champion Award recipient Representative Elizabeth Rowray

Rep. Elizabeth Rowray

Recognized for support and service to Indiana libraries.

 

2026 ILF Legislative Champion Award recipient Representative Danny Lopez

Rep. Danny Lopez

Recognized for support and service to Indiana libraries.

 

Advocacy Award for Exceptional Impact

2026 ILF Advocacy Award for Exceptional Impact recipient Maureen Braun

Maureen Braun

Indiana Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The Indiana Library Federation recognizes Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun for advocacy, fundraising, and support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

This recognition celebrates efforts to expand access to books, encourage early literacy, and help young children and families build a lifelong relationship with reading.

Celebrate Excellence. Nominate the Next ILF Honoree.

Indiana’s libraries are strengthened every day by librarians, library workers, trustees, advocates, community partners, and volunteers doing extraordinary work. Help ILF recognize the people and organizations making a difference.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 ILF Awards & Honors recipients. Thank you for helping Indiana libraries and the communities they serve thrive.