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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 New Professional Librarian of the Year was awarded to Elizabeth “Lizzy” Seidel.

Lizzy is currently the Executive Director for the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library in Mechanicsburg. Lizzy fell in love with libraries after an internship and never looked back! In addition to her experience as a library director, Lizzy has worked in youth services, a branch manager, and was the District Consultant for York County Libraries. During her time with the Dauphin County Library System, she established the Friends of Northern Dauphin Branch and was the recipient of the Katherine M. Myers Distinguished Service Award. These library experiences have contributed to her demonstrated wisdom, commitment to intellectual freedom and passion for libraries & library services.

Lizzy holds a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from Kent State University (2022). She has been an active member of the Pennsylvania Library Association since 2022. She attends the annual conference (one of her favorite weeks of the year), has been a conference presenter, serves on the Intellectual Freedom Committee and is a current member of the Conference Committee. Lizzy is also a graduate of the PALS Directors’ Institute. 

In 2024, in response to book bans by the school district, Lizzy, Director of Gutherie Memorial Library at the time, publicly vowed to stock any book banned by the school district.  Soon afterwards, she helped start the grass roots organization “Books for All.”  Books for All increases access to diverse books by giving away free books to students aged 0-18. The organization's goals are to promote literacy and foster a lifelong love of reading while helping students see themselves reflected in books and develop empathy by learning about the experiences, perspectives, and cultures of others.

"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."

“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!”

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

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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