PA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES THE 2025 LIBRARY OF THE YEAR 

Mt. Lebanon Public Library in Allegheny County named 2025 Library of the Year

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/EoInATnoglg

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, the Mt. Lebanon Public Library was named the 2025 Library of the Year.

The Mount Lebanon Public Library, located in Allegheny County, is a vibrant nexus that draws the community together. An impressive 56% of their 34,000 residents have active library cards. During 2024, the library circulated approximately 764,000 physical and electronic items; 35,297 patrons attended 1,499 programs (a 45% increase from the previous year); and the staff answered 23,658 reference questions. The success demonstrated by these statistics is a direct result of the work of the superb employees who deliver on the library mission’s promise to provide top tier programs, materials, service, and community support.

Staff members maintain and expand their capabilities through professional development, often through joining and participating in Pennsylvania Library Association activities. The library’s Director Robyn Vittek, a widely respected leader across the Commonwealth, is currently the Chair for the 2025 PaLA Conference after multiple years of serving as the conference exhibits chair, and has served on the membership committee since she moved to Pennsylvania. The library is an institutional member and has supported strong participation in Frontline Online and Library Friends & Trustee Institutes, as well as leadership development programs by the Pennsylvania Library Association Academy of Leadership Studies (PALS). This dedication to staff growth and development is what allows the Mount Lebanon Public Library to be a central force in bringing people together, both within the physical space and at community events. The Mount Lebanon Public Library has also achieved PA Forward® Gold Star status by demonstrating their commitment to literacy activities through the library.

The Mount Lebanon Public Library is also a leader for libraries across Pennsylvania. On February 18, 2025, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution declaring the Mount Lebanon Public Library a Book Sanctuary, and in doing so made the library the first public library in the Commonwealth to do so. As a book sanctuary, the library director and Board of Trustees refuse to condone the removal or relocation of materials from the library’s collection. By taking this brave stance, they ensured that all patrons would see their viewpoints represented in the library’s collection.

“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.