PA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES THE 2025 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 

Kimberley Hrivnak from the Allegheny County Library Association presented with the Distinguished Service Award for 2025.

Watch the Video here:  https://youtu.be/QQCbL-Omrg4

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 28, 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, October 28, 2025, Kimberley Hrivnak was recognized for her service to the Association with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.

Kimberley is the Chief Operating Officer for the Allegheny County Library Association in Pittsburgh, PA. She oversees 46 independent libraries with more than 70 locations and a budget of $14M, serving a population of1.2M county residents. The responsibilities related to her “day job” would no doubt keep anyone sufficiently occupied; however, Kimberley always aspires to do more.

Moving from Brooklyn Public Library to Pennsylvania in 2001, Kimberley immediately joined the Pennsylvania Library Association and has been an active member ever since. She quickly accepted a leadership position in the Southwest Chapter, served on multiple conference committees, awards committees, and PA Forward® committees over the years. Through her leadership on the Legislative Committee since 2018, Kimberley has worked with PaLA members from public, academic and school libraries to promote advocacy for library funding. Under her direction, the committee launched both the Legislator Information Session for members of the General Assembly and their staff, and the Legislative Town Hall to familiarize members with the budget process and provide talking points and advocacy tips. Successful membership advocacy campaigns with her leadership were achieved with an increase of 9% to the public library subsidy in 2019-2020, and another 18% increase in 2022-2023.

Kimberley’s service to the association does not stop at the Legislative Committee – she also provides legislative reports the Southwest Chapter and Public Library Division at their regular meetings. Filling the role of mentor quite naturally, Kimberley counsels new library professionals through PaLA’s Mentorship program as well as the PALS Director’s Institute and currently serves on the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Board of Directors. 

Kimberley selflessly shares her knowledge, time and experience to help make Pennsylvania libraries and library services better for all residents. Her efforts have left a lasting impact on many in the library profession, and on the Pennsylvania Library Association. 

“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.”

“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!”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

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.