In a celebration of dedication, leadership, and community spirit, Josephine Community Library Director Kate Lasky was named the Oregon Library Association’s 2025 Librarian of the Year during an awards banquet that concluded OLA’s annual statewide conference in Eugene.
The recognition of Lasky’s contributions marks a proud moment not only for her personally but also for the entire Josephine County community, which has long rallied around its library system as a cherished cornerstone of civic life. Lasky’s selection reflects her tireless efforts to champion equitable access to knowledge, foster inclusive spaces for all residents, and uphold the core values that libraries represent in a democratic society.
Helping to present the award were several familiar faces from across Southern Oregon, highlighting the strong bonds Lasky has formed across the library community. Curry Public Library Director Jeremy Skinner, who served with Lasky on OLA’s statewide committees, played a key role in her nomination. Local representation at the awards ceremony included Josephine Community Library Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Stoltz and Grants Pass Friends of the Library Co-chair Jennifer Roberts, further demonstrating the profound support and admiration Lasky inspires within her own community.
Throughout her tenure, Lasky has become a figure of resilience and optimism, often standing firm in defense of intellectual freedom and the right to read, even amidst challenging political and social climates. Her leadership style — rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on community needs — has positioned Josephine Community Library not just as a place for borrowing books, but as a vital hub for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement.
This past year has tested many public institutions, and libraries have been no exception. Yet through adversity, Lasky has maintained a clear vision centered around inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring the library remained a space where everyone felt welcome and valued. Whether it was working with teens on new advisory programs, expanding digital resources, or defending essential library principles at the policy level, her focus has remained unwavering.
The awards banquet also recognized several others across the state for their contributions to library services, including Library Supporter of the Year, the OLA Anti-Racism Recognition Award, and Library Employee of the Year. Notably, Josephine County had another reason to celebrate, as Eva Pieper of Grants Pass School District 7 was honored with the Intellectual Freedom Champion award, reinforcing the county’s growing reputation as a strong advocate for education and open access to information.
The Oregon Library Association, a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s libraries through advocacy, education, leadership, and collaboration, annually acknowledges those who exemplify excellence in the profession. Lasky’s recognition this year serves as a fitting tribute to both her personal impact and the broader role that community support plays in sustaining vibrant library systems.
For Josephine County residents, Lasky’s award is a moment of collective pride. It underscores the fact that the success of the Josephine Community Library is not the result of any single person alone but a shared achievement made possible by the volunteers, donors, staff, and patrons who have, time and again, affirmed their belief in the library’s mission.
In a time when many communities across the nation are grappling with challenges to public knowledge and access to information, Josephine County’s investment in its library stands as a powerful statement of values. The library is more than a building; it is a living symbol of community resilience, mutual respect, and the enduring power of knowledge.
As Kate Lasky’s leadership continues to guide the Josephine Community Library into the future, the 2025 Librarian of the Year award will remain a proud testament to the extraordinary work being done in Southern Oregon — and to the people who never stopped believing in the power of libraries to hold communities together.