For immediate release | January 13, 2026
Nominations open for Ernest A. DiMattia Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession
CHICAGO - Nominations are open for the Ernest A. DiMattia Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession.
The recipient should exhibits leadership qualities by anticipating upcoming trends in services, products, and technologies that will strengthen the library's role within its community.
The recipient is expected to engage actively in community life by participating in volunteer services across a diverse array of community organizations and initiatives. Demonstrating these characteristics and philosophies through active involvement in professional endeavors will be advantageous. If an appropriate candidate cannot be identified, the award will not be conferred in that year.
The Ernest A. DiMattia Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession is sponsored by Susan DiMattia. The winner receives a $5,000 and a framed citation of achievement that is given at the ALA Awards Ceremony at the 2026 ALA's Annual Conference, in Chicago, IL.
To nominate please complete the online application. The nominations must be accompanied by a specific statement of qualifications of the nominee. Supporting evidence or testimonials are welcome.
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Check out some past winners at the bottom of this webpage.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
Contact:
Marsha P. Burgess
Governance Officer
American Library Association
Governance
mburgess@ala.org800-545-2433 ext. 3204
