Library Journal sponsors and co-sponsors many awards to recognize greatness and contributions to the library industry. Keep checking back to learn how to submit your nominations.

Best Small Library

Library Journal‘s annual award for the Best Small Library in America was founded in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of these libraries. It honors the U.S. public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less.

Submission deadline: May 1, 2025

(See Past Winners)

Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize

The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership between LJ and the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation, recognizes libraries that have significantly helped their communities thrive. Learn more and submit your nominations.

Submission deadline: TBD

(See Past Winners)

Marketer of the Year

Library Journal will honor one library staffer or a library team with its Marketer of the Year award in its October issue. Sponsored by Library Ideas, LLC, the award recognizes the importance of innovative approaches to marketing of library services, and the role of marketing in building library engagement and defining a library’s relevance in the community. Learn more and submit your nominations.

Submission deadline: May 30, 2025

(See Past Winners)

Movers & Shakers

The editors of Library Journal need your help in identifying emerging talents in the library world—both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors who are providing inspiration and model programs for others. Our annual Movers & Shakers feature profiles up-and-coming individuals from around the world who are innovative, creative, fighting against censorship, and helping improve their library and community. From librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field—Movers & Shakers celebrates those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead! Submit your nominations.

Submission deadline: TBD

(Visit the Movers & Shakers website)

Librarian of the Year

The LJ editors are seeking nominations for the Library Journal Librarian of the Year Award, sponsored by Baker & Taylor, to honor a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments reflecting the loftiest service goals of the library profession. Learn more and submit your nominations.

Submission deadline: TBD

(See Past Winners)

Paralibrarian of the Year

Submission deadline: This award is currently on hiatus

(See Past Winners)

Libraries Defying the Odds

Submission deadline: This award is currently on hiatus