Lyndon B. Johnson 9th Grade Campus School Library Media Specialist Analine Johnson, who has helped raise more than $20,000 for her school to help low-income students buy their first books, has been awarded this year’s American Library Association’s coveted I Love My Librarian Award.
She is one of 10 librarians from across the nation who received this honor. ALA received nearly 1,300 nominations from library users for this year’s award, which demonstrates the breadth of impact of librarians across the country, according to ALA.
"I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to have received the 'I Love My Librarian Award' from the American Library Association, the Carnegie Corporation, and the New York Public Library. Knowing that members of my school and public community took the time to nominate me means more than words can express—it’s a gesture that holds immense value to me,” stated Johnson.
“At the same time, I feel a bit overwhelmed when I read about the other nine winners. Their stories and accomplishments are so inspiring, and I often find myself wondering how I could stand alongside them. However, this recognition inspires me to keep growing, striving, and contributing to my community,” she said.
“It also reaffirms my belief in the profound impact of libraries and librarians. Libraries make concerted efforts to make lifelong contributions to individuals and communities, fostering knowledge, growth, and connection. I am proud to be a part of this meaningful work, and I will carry this honor with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose," Johnson added.
An ALA profile of Johnson states that the impact that she has on United ISD students can be summarized in the testimonial of one student: “The library became my safe space. Mrs. Johnson gave me the courage to believe in myself.”
The article goes on to report that for two and a half decades, Johnson has been “supporting and building futures for at-risk readers and students in need, particularly those who face poverty or language barriers.”
“She has helped raise more than $20,000 for her school to assist students from low-income backgrounds purchase their first first books and become more confident in class. And to support the recent immigrants and emerging bilingual students, Johnson created an after-school literacy program to help them better understand the English language,” states the ALA profile.
Serving communities across the nation, the 2025 honorees are exceptional librarians from academic, public, and school libraries who were nominated by community members for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact on the people in their communities.
“Librarians nationwide make positive impacts on their communities every day, and the inspiring stories from this year’s I Love My Librarian Award recipients prove how transformative their efforts can be to the lives of their patrons,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. “From Alabama to Alaska, from the Bronx to Maui, the vital services these librarians provide reinforces what we all know: that libraries everywhere are an essential public good, and the people who power them serve to inform, connect, educate, and empower their communities.”
Nominations focused on librarians’ outstanding service, including expanding access to literacy and library services, outreach within their communities, supporting the needs of the most vulnerable, and more, ALA said in a press statement. This year’s award recipients include four academic librarians, three public librarians, and three school librarians.
“Analine Johnson is a librarian who changes lives,” her nominator wrote. “She has built libraries that are more than just spaces for books - they are places where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built and futures are shaped.”
In Cielito Lindo Park across the street from the school’s campus, Johnson also spearheaded the addition of a “Lil Library Box,” a large, enclosed bookshelf with a trove of books that she maintains along with student helpers, according to the ALA profile on Johnson.
“A collaboration with the school, district councilmembers and the Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, the colorful Lil Library Box encourages children to read during the summer months, with a prime location within walking distance of multiple district campuses. It’s also a dream realized for Johnston to help kids build their own home libraries,” the ALA profile states.
Honorees will each receive a $5,000 cash prize as well as complimentary registration and a $750 travel stipend to attend ALA’s LibLearnX event in Phoenix. The award ceremony will take place during the LibLearnX welcome reception beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, and will stream live on YouTube.
Analine Johnson stands next to the 'Lil Library Box," which she maintains with the help of students.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
