Belmont Hills Librarian Wins 'Librarian of the Year' Award

BALA CYNWYD, PA — A Belmont Hills Library librarian was given the Librarian of the Year award by State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) recently at a presentation in Radnor.

Elizabeth Barrie, of the Belmont Hills Library, received this year’s Public Librarian of the Year Award.

Leach honored Barrie for her compassionate leadership and her work in organizing a “Drag Queen Storytime” at the library, which helped to normalize drag culture for children. Barrie has created an accepting and positive space for the community through the various programs and events she has arranged in the library.

Leach’s Librarian of the Year event honors two outstanding librarians from the 17th Senatorial District each year – one school librarian and one public librarian.

Leach awarded this year’s School Librarian of the Year Award to Jennifer McKinnon of Gotwals Elementary School.

This year the event was hosted by Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria in Radnor and sponsored by the American Reading Company and UGI Utilities. Winners received a special plaque and a $50 gift card to Pietro’s Pizzeria.

"I am honored to recognize Jennifer and Lizzie this year with my Librarian of the Year Award," Leach said. "The work librarians do in the community is so important to children and adults alike. Librarians have to the ability to make people feel at home and create a welcoming environment for all. These librarians have certainly done that for their community, and I am thrilled to be able to celebrate them."