Award information | Current award recipient | Past award recipients

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

CLA’s Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence, and dedication in support of adult literacy.

The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipient will receive one year free individual CLA membership and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.

The California Library Association thanks Grass Roots Press for their support in recognizing the need for dedication to adult literacy as shown by their sponsorship of the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award and their contribution of $350 worth of materials of the recipient’s choice to further support adult literacy.

2025 Award Recipient

Leila Hassen, Azusa City Library

Leila Hassen is the City Librarian at the Azusa City Library responsible for overseeing all aspects of library administration from budget management, to policy development and program implementation, in order to meet the evolving needs of the Azusa community. A graduate of the San Jose State University MLIS program, she began her career at the Azusa City Library in 2007. Before becoming the City Librarian in 2023, Ms. Hassen held prior roles in Youth Services and division management, dedicating her time to creating inclusive, resource-rich environments and acquiring grants to expand library programming and early learning opportunities. Some of her recent projects include working alongside Azusa City staff on the Azusa Outdoor Learning Center and Building Forward Library renovation. Inspired by community goals and aspirations, she is committed to lifelong learning and ensuring access for all patrons. Ms. Hassen currently serves on the CLA Leadership Development Committee.  

Award Information

Submissions for the 2025 Award are now closed.

Eligibility

• The nominee can be a library staff member who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy: outreach, programming, advocacy, recruitment, public awareness, collection development, fundraising, other – you name it!
• The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services.
• The nominee is required to be a CLA member. If unsure, please contact the CLA Office for assistance no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.
• Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is permitted.

The OLSL Award is an individual award and a nomination may not be made for a group

How to Nominate

Nominations should submit the following to CLA using this online form:

• A brief description of what the nominee has done to demonstrate passion, excellence, and dedication on behalf of literacy. (Not to exceed 300 words.)
• Information about the nominee’s library background and what the nominee’s outstanding qualities are. E.g. how long has s/he worked in libraries and what has been the nature of that work? (Not to exceed 150 words)
• Anything else the committee should know about the nominee. (Not to exceed 150 words.)

Please note, nominators are not required to be CLA members. However, if a nomination is made by a non-member, the nomination must be endorsed by a CLA member. If you need assistance in finding a CLA member to endorse your nomination, please contact the Executive Director no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.

Current Committee members

The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Committee

• Victor Castellanos, Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
• Leticia Garcia, Riverside County Library
• Georgina Guardado, Lake County Library
• Jackie Hernandez, Glendale Library
• Elaine Kociolek, Contra Costa County Library
• Nancy Pacheco, Yolo County Library

Further information

• CLA’s Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy award is coordinated by CLA’s Literacy Interest Group.
• The committee reserves the right to not give an award if a qualified candidate is not found.
• Award recipients will be asked to submit a photograph to be used in award publicity.