Leah Plocharczyk, interim director of Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Library, in Jupiter, Florida, is a winner of this year's I Love My Librarian Award. Recognized for her leadership in her community and commitment to transforming lives, she is one of only ten librarians in the country to receive this national honor. Plocharczyk has made a powerful impact through the book club she created for adults with intellectual disabilities. The book club is both a key service to her community and an opportunity for much-needed special education research: Plocharczyk develops innovative tactics to engage participants and closely documents which strategies are most successful, publishing her findings in The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion as well as in an upcoming book. Plocharczyk is also honored for her contributions to biological research: she has spent hours at sea with scientists, observing dolphins and contributing to research on migration patterns. Colleagues describe Plocharczyk as having “a special blend of intelligence, integrity, courage, compassion and determination. Leah is the type of librarian who promotes a love of learning and literature in all students.” Her nomination praises her ability to inspire and mentor her staff, as well as her professionalism and service to faculty. Leah was selected for this honor out of a group of 1,900 nominations. She and the other award winners will be honored at a ceremony during the Midwinter Meeting of the American Library Association on January 25. Read more about the recognition here.
