2026 Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession Winner

CHICAGO — Chelsea Foust won the 2026 Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession by the American Library Association.  This award, supported by the DiMattia Family, recognizes a librarian who demonstrates leadership by anticipating emerging trends in services, products, and technologies that enhance the library’s position in the community.  The awardee also participates in community life with membership and volunteer service in a broad range of community organization projects.

Foust, Assistant Director, is being honored for leadership that has transformed the Morton-James Public Library into a vibrant, active hub in the heart of Nebraska City, Nebraska.  Her guiding principle is that libraries remain relevant when they actively engage and evolve with their communities.   Foust’s innovative programming, civic leadership, and a deep commitment to inclusion has created a resource center that is vital for learning, connection, and community engagement.  A library board member noted that “she brings a joyful love for all things library, and her excitement is contagious.”

Ms. Foust’s focus on adult and intergenerational programming has resulted in measurable increases in her community’s use of library services.  Library card registrations increased by 14% and circulation by 15% from 2022 to 2025. Program attendance also increased 25%. Winterpalooza, a December holiday event, outgrew the library space in its third year.  An ongoing collaboration with Nebraska Humanities has brought musical programs, historical speakers, and authors to a small-town audience.

The winner’s community involvement with Leadership Nebraska City and Keep Nebraska City Beautiful has resulted in partnerships with local sustainability organizations.  A “Litter Bucket Brigade” program allows citizens to check out buckets, grabbers, gloves, and a safety vest from the library to use while picking up litter.  Ms. Foust currently serves on the Leadership Nebraska City Advisory Board.  She is also an active member of ALA and NLA (Nebraska Library Association).

Her work resulted in the Morton-James Public Library being named Nebraska City Organization of the Year in 2023.  As one nominator wrote, “the library’s staff has upped their game in bettering Nebraska City.  They are always doing something new.”  Several nominators noted that “Chelsea selflessly shares the spotlight with the Library Director as well as the rest of this incredible seven-member staff.”

The annual award, consisting of $5,000 and a citation of achievement, will be presented at the ALA Annual Conference in June 2026.

Members of the ALA Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession Award Committee are Chair Theresa Jehlik, Strategy and Business Intelligence Manager, Omaha Public Library, Omaha, NE; Maggie Farrell, Dean of Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV; Joe Hardenbrook, Associate Dean, Research & Engagement, Marquette University, Raynor Library, Milwaukee, WI; and Robbie Sittel, Branch Manager, Denton Public Library South Branch, Denton, TX.

Applications for the 2027 Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession must be submitted by February 28, 2027. Guidelines and forms are available on the ALA website.

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.