Tanya Finney Estrada, director of the Pennsauken Free Public Library, was recognized with Librarian of the Year Award by the New Jersey Library Association. The award was created to recognize exemplary recent achievements by a New Jersey Librarian making a significant contribution at any level of librarianship.

“Winning the NJLA 2026 Librarian of the Year Award is an incredible honor and honestly, not something I ever imagined for myself. I have always focused on the work: serving our community, supporting my staff, mentoring future librarians, and advocating for libraries. Awards were never the goal. The goal has always been impact. To be recognized in this way feels deeply humbling,” said Finney Estrada. “As I shared in my acceptance speech, the work I do is only possible because of community supporters who recognize the importance of what we do and believe in the power of public libraries to change lives.

“What this recognition means to me is affirmation that community-centered leadership matters, that inclusive and welcoming library spaces matter, and that public libraries remain essential institutions in times of change. At the same time, this award does not mark an endpoint. It motivates me to continue doing the work I care deeply about strengthening our library as a space of opportunity, innovation, and belonging.

“I am grateful. I am humbled. And I remain committed to the work.”

The Librarian of the Year serves as a role model, enhancing the image of librarianship and advancing the positive visibility of libraries to the community. The Librarian of the Year is willing to serve as an enthusiastic spokesperson for librarianship in general and to speak at the NJLA conferences.