
2025 TRUSTEE OF THE YEAR
Folasade (Sade) Olanipekun-Lewis of Philadelphia County named 2025 Trustee of the Year
Watch Presentation Here: https://youtu.be/qmkxUOTFhss
PA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES THE 2025 TRUSTEE OF THE YEAR
Folasade (Sade) Olanipekun-Lewis of Philadelphia County named 2025 Trustee of the Year
Mechanicsburg, PA (September 30, 2025) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the 2025 Trustee of the Year was awarded to Folasade (Sade) Olanipekun-Lewis of Philadelphia County, in recognition of her extraordinary service, steadfast leadership, and transformative impact on the Free Library of Philadelphia and its community.
Since joining the Free Library of Philadelphia Board of Trustees in 2016 and becoming Chair in 2021, Sade Olanipekun-Lewis has guided the library with vision and resolve. She was instrumental in steering the institution through its post-COVID reopening and in leading the successful search for a new President and Director. Under her leadership, the Free Library emerged stronger and more responsive to the evolving needs of patrons across every neighborhood of the city, while forging a renewed and enduring partnership with city government.
As Chair, she strengthened the Free Library Board’s engagement with the Mayor and City Council. Through her commitment to consistent communication and visibility, she secured historic support for the Free Library — including a remarkable 70% increase in operating budget, from $41 million to $71 million. Her ability to cultivate a strong working relationship with the Mayor’s Office exemplifies her skill as both an advocate and a bridge-builder.
Widely respected by her fellow Trustees as well as within her professional field, Sade brings deep institutional knowledge, wise counsel, and a spirit of generosity to her library service. Her support of the library’s leadership team and her tireless advocacy for library services reflect both her character and her commitment.
Sade’s service exemplifies the highest ideals of library trusteeship—vision, advocacy, and unwavering dedication. Her leadership has strengthened the Free Library today while planting seeds for its future, ensuring that generations to come will benefit from the power of libraries to transform lives. The Pennsylvania Library Association honors Sade Olanipekun-Lewis with the 2025 Trustee of the Year Award.
“Congratulations to our 2025 award winners! They remind us of what’s possible when passion and service come together,” said Karla Trout, 2025 Pennsylvania Library Association President. “I’m so proud of their accomplishments and deeply grateful for their willingness to share their time and talents so generously. I invite all Pennsylvania Library Association members to join me in the celebration of their success.”
A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.
“Working in libraries can be both extremely challenging with limited funds as well as profoundly meaningful when we see the joy of readers and patrons valuing library services.” said Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker. “The Pennsylvania Library Association brings together the library community for advancement of both individuals and libraries. These awards bring important attention to outstanding individuals who make a positive impact both in their individual libraries, and across the state. Our 2025 award winners are top-notch professionals that are highly deserving of this recognition. We hope everyone will join us in congratulating them!”
Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.
For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org.
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