Stepping into the hushed embrace of a library, the rich atmosphere of a thousand adventures is bound within shelves upon shelves of books. But, unmask the real superheroes behind this sanctuary of knowledge—the librarians—and you'd find an endless mine of whole-hearted companions aiding in finger-tracing the enigmatic atlas of spirituality, science, history, art, and so much more.
This year, the American Library Association, with warmth in their hearts and a drumroll in their step, proudly presented the I Love My Librarian Award - a tribute unfurling a $5,000 honor to the tireless champions in the hinterland of books and behind the bars of banned titles.
Take an enchanted walk with Diana Haneski,-cradling the memory of the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This survivor turned pillar of strength is a lantern, softly illuminating paths to emotional support for others.
Shift the spotlight to Fred Gitner, the knight of the Queens Public Library in New York City, standing tall under the Statue of Liberty's torch, forging invaluable resources for those newcomers to the land of dreams - immigrants, and asylum-seekers.
Travel further down to the University of Puerto Rico to catch a glimpse of Gladys López-Soto. Her arsenal? An encyclopedic understanding of copyright law that she uses to unwrap the world of entrepreneurship and innovation for those blooming amidst academic gowns and sun-filled dreams.
With library workers bracing against fierce gusts of intimidation and harassment, staring down the barrel of increasing book censorship, these heroes continue to illuminate their community's path, throwing the essential and endearing role of libraries under the national spotlight.
Comprising survivors, counselors, educators and nurturers, the league of extraordinary librarians included more incredible inductees. Melissa Corey, decoder of free books for middle-schoolers; Clare Dannenbaum, steward of research projects; Clare Graham, the wizard who turned coin-operated newspaper racks into Little Free Libraries; and Gabriel Graña, the sculptor of book displays and varied library offerings.
Also gracing the roster were Ted Quiballo, the scribe teaching refugees and asylum-seekers new technology skills; Curt Witcher, the historian, curating a remarkable genealogy collection; and Mychal Threets, the modern bard utilizing social media to tell tales of his students' lives.
These ten librarians, chosen from a staggering 1,400 nominations, are the stars that twinkle brightly in the vast universe of human service, true embodiments of the positive impact libraries have on those they serve.
So, next time when you visit a library and get lost in the enchantment of the books, remember to look up and smile, for you are standing in the presence of unsung superheroes, who make it all possible.
