Windy City has had a longstanding tradition of honoring one special librarian each year who goes above and beyond to support the romance genre with the Northern Illinois Librarian Of The Year Award. Our chapter has since expanded this recognition to include booksellers, reviewers, and industry professionals who have made outstanding efforts in supporting the romance community.
Nominations are open to recognize a librarian, bookseller, book reviewer or member of the romance publishing industry who has contributed to supporting romance books in our community.
The award will be presented at our annual Cathie Linz
Romance Appreciation Dinner.
Historical Recipients
1995 – Joyce Sarricks, Downers Grove Public Library (first winner)
1996 – 1997 – Susan Emmon-Kroeger, Lisle Public Library District
1999 – Susan Gibberman, Schaumburg Township District Library
2004 – Susan Gibberman, Schaumburg Township District Library
2005 – Betty Wampach, Naperville Public Library
2007 – Margie Nolan, Seneca Public Library
2010 – Karen Toonen, Naper Blvd. Library (Naperville)
2011 – Kathleen Longacre, 95th Street Library (Naperville)
2012 – Denise Zielinski, Joliet Public library
2013 – Amy Alessio, Schaumburg Township District Library
2014 – Nancy McCully, Glenside Public Library
1996 – 1997 – Susan Emmon-Kroeger, Lisle Public Library District
1999 – Susan Gibberman, Schaumburg Township District Library
2004 – Susan Gibberman, Schaumburg Township District Library
2005 – Betty Wampach, Naperville Public Library
2007 – Margie Nolan, Seneca Public Library
2010 – Karen Toonen, Naper Blvd. Library (Naperville)
2011 – Kathleen Longacre, 95th Street Library (Naperville)
2012 – Denise Zielinski, Joliet Public library
2013 – Amy Alessio, Schaumburg Township District Library
2014 – Nancy McCully, Glenside Public Library
2015 – No Recipient
2016 – A. Lynne Wall
2017 – Kate Zdnek & Erin Keables
2018 – Gloria Drake, Oswego Public Library
2019 – Karen Toonen, Naperville Public Library