Fitzmaurice wins American Library Association Award
Fitzmaurice is one of ten winners of the ALA’s ‘I Love My Librarian Award.’
File photo
Former Jackson County Library Director and Fontana Regional Library System Director Tracy Fitzmaurice has received an American Library Association “I Love My Librarian Award.”
Fitzmaruice was one of 10 winners nationwide. According to a an ALA press release, the 2026 honorees are “exceptional” in their field and were nominated by community members “for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact on the people in their communities.”
“As ALA marks its 150th commemoration, we recognize the remarkable contributions these 10 librarians make for our communities, for learning, for our health and for the public good,” ALA President Sam Helmick said in the release. “These librarians are people who power possibility in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our places of higher learning. Their leadership, creativity, and innovation strengthen the communities they serve, and we are proud to honor them.”
Fitzmaurice was named FRL director in January 2023 but had already cemented a reputation as a beloved stalwart of the institution over her three decades working within the system. She resigned in January as a new slate of board members sought reform of the system, mostly citing financial concerns and moral objections to LGBTQ+ content.
ALA received over 1,300 nominations for this year’s award.
“Nominations focused on librarians’ outstanding service, including expanding access to literacy and library services, outreach within their communities, supporting the needs of the most vulnerable, and more,” the release says. “This year’s award recipients include three academic librarians, four public librarians, and three school librarians.”
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The release called Fitzmarurice a “transformative leader for rural libraries in Jackson County” who championed inclusivity and access for communities with limited resources.
“As former county librarian and director of the Fontana Regional Library, she launched innovative programs supporting people with disabilities, digital literacy, workforce development, and community connection,” it said. “Her leadership during Hurricane Helene, award-winning facilities work, and deep community advocacy left a lasting impact across Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties, earni ng widespread recognition and respect.
Honorees will each receive a $5,000 cash prize as well as complimentary registration and a $750 travel stipend to attend the 2026 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago from June 25-29.
