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CLA Member of the Year Award
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. The California library community is invited and encouraged to submit nominations for this prestigious award.
CLA's Member of the Year is honored at the CLA annual conference.
Nomination information for the CLA's Member of the Year.
The 2024 awards application period opens May 15th, 2024. It will close July 29th, 2024.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be current members of the association who have held membership for at least three years.If unsure, please contact the CLA Office for assistance no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.
- Nominees must be, or must have been, working in a recognized library position or teaching in library education.
- Elected officials of the Association (president, vice-president, immediate past-president, treasurer, ALA chapter councilor, and Board members) are excluded from consideration during their term of office.
- Nominators are not required to be CLA members.
How to nominate
Using this online form nominators should submit:
- Evidence of the nominee's significant contribution to the advancement of libraries and librarianship through professional activities. Consideration for selection as Member of the Year includes: distinguished service to the profession; active and innovative leadership in the development of libraries and the improvement of library service; and outstanding contributions in promoting libraries and bringing community, regional, or statewide recognition to libraries. The statement should be specific, should include dates where appropriate, and should not exceed 500 words.
- Evidence of a nominee’s significant contribution to the California Library Association is optional but favorably regarded. If included, evidence should not exceed 500 words.
- The membership committee may reach out to you to gather more information
Nominations should be submitted using the online nomination form. Supplementary files may be emailed to Beth Wrenn-Estes .
Further information
- The CLA Member of the Year Award is coordinated by CLA's Membership Committee and supported by the CLA Awards Committee
- The CLA Membership Committee actively encourages members to nominate qualified candidates and seeks out qualified candidates to nominate on their own
- The committee reserves the right not to give an award if a qualified candidate is not found
- Nominees are evaluated on the basis of evidence and support presented in the nomination as to the nature and scope of the accomplishments and on the committee's own knowledge of the nominee's qualifications. The committee is not expected to undertake research into the qualification of nominees
- Award recipients will be asked to submit a photograph to be used in award publicity
- Applications must be received by 5:00pm on the submission deadline. Postmarks will not be accepted
If you have questions, please contact one of the Co-Chair of CLA's Membership Committee.
Kate Hug, Oakland Public Library - Co-Chair
Joy Rodriguez, Fresno VA Medical Center - Co-Chair
2024 Award Recipient
Aaron Espinosa, Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
Aaron Espinosa’s path to becoming the Director of the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory has been both unexpected and deeply rewarding. While a career in libraries was not something he initially envisioned, the past decade has led him on a transformative journey that has solidified his passion for the role libraries play in shaping communities. His time at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory has been defined by a dedication to making the space an inclusive, welcoming hub for all—where everyone, regardless of background, can feel at home.
Aaron's leadership is grounded in a genuine love for people, something that extends far beyond the walls of the library. He views libraries as places of connection—cornerstones of knowledge, growth, and personal transformation. This belief is personal for Aaron, as his family is a significant source of inspiration. Having been married to Corrina for over 20 years, and as a father to two daughters, Emma and Olivia, he understands the importance of nurturing a love for reading and learning from a young age. All three of the women in his life are avid readers, and their passion for books continually reminds him of the importance of making libraries accessible, welcoming, and filled with opportunities for discovery. This personal connection drives Aaron’s dedication to ensuring that libraries are spaces where everyone, regardless of age, can develop a deep and lasting love for reading. Watching his daughters grow into curious, book-loving individuals has only strengthened his resolve to ensure that libraries remain places where all children and families can experience the joy of reading.
For Aaron, the library is not just a workplace—it is a reflection of the values he holds dear. His mission is to create a space where everyone feels valued, where accessibility is at the forefront, and where communities can gather to grow, learn, and connect. His commitment doesn't stop at Rancho Mirage. As an active member of the California Library Association, Aaron is passionate about advocating for both the communities’ libraries serve and the staff who make those spaces work. He understands the critical role libraries play in society, and he sees his work as an extension of his personal mission to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Aaron’s journey is ongoing, and he approaches the future with a deep sense of purpose. He remains committed to ensuring that the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory and California Library Association continue to thrive, evolve, and serve as a beacon of inclusivity and opportunity. His leadership is driven by the belief that libraries can—and do—change lives, and he is eager to continue making that vision a reality.
