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Mechanicsburg, PA (September 22, 2026) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the 2026 Trustee of the Year was awarded to Abigail Tierney, Cleve J. Fredricksen Library in Cumberland County, in recognition of her extraordinary service, steadfast leadership, and transformative impact on the Fredricksen Library and its community.

Ms. Tierney is commended for her unwavering advocacy and steadfast commitment to strengthening libraries as institutions of learning, access, and civic engagement. This commitment includes a deep understanding of the essential role libraries play in preserving intellectual freedom. She understands that strong libraries not only require funding and governance but also courageous champions who defend access to information and support the professionals who make library service possible.

As a trustee since 2022, Abby has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to financial stewardship. She has been instrumental in multiple fundraising efforts, including helping to lead the Library’s capital campaign and through her work on the Gala committee, which resulted in the Library paying off their mortgage. Abby leads by example with her dedicated support, serving as a strategic donor to every fundraising campaign, as well as using her personal and professional connections to expand the Library’s network of supporters and advocates. She is widely recognized as a positive and encouraging force for both Library leadership and staff and willingly steps forward when challenges arise.

Her advocacy for basic library values is illustrative of this willingness to step forward. Abby has been a vocal supporter of library services and a principles defender of intellectual freedom during a time when censorship and book bans have increasingly challenged educational and library institutions. In the face of these challenges, Abby advocated for thoughtful, holistic review processes for policies related to challenged materials at the Library. As co-owner of the Midtown Cinema, she also brought public awareness to these issues by hosting multiple screenings of The Librarians, a documentary showing the effects of book banning efforts, creating an opportunity for public dialogue about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the essential role libraries play in democracy. 

"I am deeply proud to honor the outstanding contributions of our members, whose dedication, innovation, and commitment to equity ensure our libraries remain powerful anchors for communities across the Commonwealth." Richard E. Ashby, Jr, 2026 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.  "Serving as the first African-American President of the Pennsylvania Library Association [PaLA] is a profound honor. Throughout my career as the Executive Director of the Sharon Hill Public Library and the Founder of LiteracyNation Inc., my mission has always been to break down barriers, champion membership diversity, and ensure equitable resource distribution. This historic milestone is not just a personal honor, but a collective victory that signals a proactive, inclusive era where every community across our Commonwealth is seen, heard, and structurally supported."

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

“Working in libraries can be both extremely challenging with limited funds as well as profoundly meaningful when we see the joy of readers and patrons valuing library services.” said Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker. “The Pennsylvania Library Association brings together the library community for advancement of both individuals and libraries. These awards bring important attention to outstanding individuals who make a positive impact both in their individual libraries, and across the state. Our 2026 award winners are top-notch professionals that are highly deserving of this recognition. We hope everyone will join us in congratulating them!”

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org.

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