2026 NLA Outstanding Volunteer Award
Each year, the Nebraska Library Association recognizes and celebrates outstanding volunteers who have made a difference by serving a library in their community. Awards will be presented at 10 AM at the NLA Advocacy Day event on Monday, March 16th, in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, 635 S. 14th St., Suite 130, Hruska Conference Room (across the street from the Capitol).
Nomination Criteria- Nominees may be of any age.
- Nominees must have contributed to a library in the form of regular volunteering or as part of a special project.
- Nominees may have contributed to any type of library (academic, school, public, etc.).
- The nominator's Statement of Nomination should include details about what the volunteer did and the impact it had on the library and community.
2026 Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners
The Nebraska Library Association’s Advocacy Committee announcement for the winners of the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Award.
- Chris Bitner, nominated by Library Director Carrie Graham, Valentine Public Library
- Carlos Bowman and Jennifer Bruhl, nominated by Walt Branch Library Manager Wyatt Packard, Lincoln City Libraries
- Judy Brott, nominated by Volunteer Coordinator/Library & Foundation Coordinator Kim Mettenbrink, Grand Island Public Library
- Lillian Kaslon, nominated by Library Director Audrey Heil, Loup City Public Library
- Jacque Masek, nominated by Library Director Lucy Watts, Hruska Memorial Public Library
- Dennis Mitchell, nominated by Head of Adult Services Laura Mischke, Bellevue Public Library
- Gayla Ward, nominated by Library Assistant Tiffany Hill, North Platte Public Library
Advocacy Committee Chair Wyatt Packard said, “It is a joy to recognize the outstanding volunteers who serve their communities and empower their libraries. This year’s nominations highlight the ways volunteers boost the efforts of library staff, grow financial support, and tell the library story.”
Awards will be presented during Advocacy Day in Lincoln on Monday, March 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. For more information and to register to attend, visit NebraskaLibraries.org.
Individuals can also support NLA’s advocacy work by joining as a regular, student, or advocate member.
Recipient Photos
Chris Bitner (far left)
Dennis Mitchell
