NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR 2026 CLA AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 16th, 2026 

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR

2026 CLA AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Know someone who deserves to be nominated for one of our CLA awards or scholarships? Now is your opportunity to nominate someone. Learn more about each award and the nomination process by clicking on the active link header for each of the awards in this announcement. 

If you have any questions regarding an award or scholarship, please contact execdir@cla-net.org for more information. 

CLA Awards 

The CLA Awards recognize individuals who made a difference in the library community. Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 CLA Awards Gala taking place at the CLA Annual Conference in Riverside, CA from October 22–24, 2026. We’re rolling out the red carpet to make it an unforgettable experience.

Click on the award/scholarship name below to begin your nomination process. 

John & Patricia Beatty Award The John & Patricia Beatty Award honors the author of a distinguished book for children or young adults that best promotes an awareness of California and its people. A committee of librarians selects the winning title from books published in the United States within a given year. Patricia Beatty donated the initial cash endowment for the award. It was Patricia Beatty’s hope that this award will encourage the writing of quality 

children’s books that bring us an awareness of California, its heritage or its future.   

California Library Hall of Fame The California Library Hall of Fame honors the historical significance and lifetime achievements of the many librarians, library workers, and supporters who have helped promote and improve library services in California. 

California Young Reader Medal Since its inception in 1974, millions of California children have nominated, read, and voted for the winners of the California Young Reader Medal – a program to encourage recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state.   

CLA Technical Services Emerging Leader Award The CLA Technical Services Emerging Leader Award cultivates new leadership in the field of library technical services.  

CLA Technical Services Award of Merit The CLA Technical Services Award of Achievement recognizes colleagues who have made outstanding contributions in those areas of librarianship that have been especially challenged by the need for innovation and adaptation in dealing with rapidly changing technology and work environments. 

CLA Technology Emerging Leader Award The CLA Technology Emerging Leader Award cultivates new leadership in the field of library and information technology. The award is sponsored by The Galecia Group.

CLA Technology Professional Award The CLA Technology Professional Award acknowledges superior achievement in those areas of the library profession that encompass technology. The award is sponsored by Springshare. 

CLA Young Adult Services Award The CLA Young Adult Services Award of Merit recognizes the accomplishments of an exceptional library professional working in young adult services in a school or public library. The award is sponsored by the Bay Area Young Adult Librarians (BAYA). 

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award, established in 2003, 

recognizes and honors a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy. The award is sponsored by Grass Roots Press. 

PRExcellence Awards The PR Excellence Awards honor the highest quality efforts of California libraries in promoting and communicating their message to their customers.   

Zoia Horn Intellectual Freedom Award The Zoia Horn Intellectual Freedom Award honors Californian people, groups, and organizations that have made significant contributions to intellectual freedom. The committee selects nominees based on recent or important lifetime contributions to intellectual freedom. 

CLA President’s Award The CLA President’s Award recognizes outstanding contributions, leadership and achievement in support of California libraries by a Trustee, Friend, Elected Official or other lay person(s) who has given his or her time and talents to further the advancement of California libraries. 

CLA Member of the Year The CLA Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual member of the California Library Association for her or his outstanding contributions, leadership and achievements in service to California libraries. 

CLA Scholarships 

CLA's scholarships recognize future leaders in the California library. Recipients will be recognized at the 2026 CLA Awards Gala taking place at the CLA Annual Conference in Riverside, CA from October 22–24, 2026. We’re rolling out the red carpet to make it an unforgettable experience.

The CLA Scholarship for Black, Indigenous, People of Color Students in Memory of Edna Yelland supports students in the attainment of a graduate degree in library or information science. Candidates must be enrolled in a master's program in an ALA-accredited library school and have completed one or more courses. CLA awards three scholarships annually, in the amount of $2,500 each. The amount of each scholarship may change, depending upon available funds and the financial need of applicants. 

The Begun Scholarship supports continuing library school students who have demonstrated a commitment to becoming children’s or young adult 

librarians in a California public library. One scholarship of $3,000 is awarded annually. 

CLA Robert Karatsu Conference Scholarship supports CLA members to attend the annual conference. Priority is given to students, paraprofessionals, those with employers that cannot support conference attendance fees.