Minnesota Library Association Honors Eleven Professionals

The 2026 MLA Awards recognize outstanding leadership and service to libraries across the state.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector illustration of a stack of books on a wooden table, representing the role of library professionals in community learning. — The Minnesota Library Association honored eleven professionals this year, celebrating their leadership and dedication to information access across the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In 2026, the Minnesota Library Association presented awards to eleven library professionals for their contributions to information access and learning. The honors celebrate recipients for their dedication, creativity, and leadership in library services.

Why it matters

These awards recognize individuals who have significantly strengthened libraries and expanded lifelong learning opportunities for residents throughout the state. The program highlights the essential role that library staff play in fostering community information access.

A total of 11 library professionals were selected for 2026 honors based on their individual service and commitment to libraries.

The players

Minnesota Library Association

This is a professional organization dedicated to supporting library services and library staff across Minnesota.

Ann Walker Smalley

She was the recipient of the 2026 William G. Asp Distinguished Career Award.

Sarah Hawkins

She was the recipient of the 2026 MLA President's Award.

Shelly Finzen

She received the inaugural Sparkle Award, a new honor presented in 2026.

Marie Hydukovich

She received the 2026 Lars Steltzner Intellectual Freedom Award.

The details

Recipients were honored with various distinctions, including the William G. Asp Distinguished Career Award, the President's Award, and the inaugural Sparkle Award. The diverse range of categories also included recognitions for academic innovation, intellectual freedom, and school media contributions.

The Minnesota Library Association presented the 2026 MLA Awards throughout the year 2026.

Culture Shift

These awards underscore the evolving role of modern libraries, shifting from simple book repositories to active centers of intellectual freedom and educational innovation. The celebration of such diverse contributions mirrors the broader societal movement to prioritize accessible information resources.

These awards celebrate the professionals who manage the resources available to residents at local and school libraries. Readers can expect these recognized leaders to continue prioritizing community programming and expanded information access in their respective regions.

The takeaway

Recognizing library professionals highlights the ongoing effort to maintain high standards of community information service. Supporting local library initiatives helps ensure that educational opportunities remain accessible to all residents.