FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEKentucky Library Association Announces 2026–27 Leadership Team, Embracing “All for One. One for All.”LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Library Association (KLA) welcomes its 2026–27 leadership team, led by President Jamie Collins, Director of Marion County Public Library. Guided by the motto “All for One. One for All.,” the association will focus on strengthening connections across Kentucky’s library community, building meaningful partnerships, and advancing advocacy efforts that support libraries and the people they serve. Collins will serve alongside Emily Northcutt, President-Elect, a school librarian at Marnel C. Moorman K-8 School in Shelby County; Courtney Shareef, Secretary, an academic librarian; Fred Tilsley, Treasurer, a retired school librarian, and Amber Willenborg, Past President, an academic librarian. Together, the leadership team will work with a robust network of academic, school, and public librarians, library staff, and Friends of libraries to strengthen the association and support its members throughout the Commonwealth. Northcutt brings significant state and national leadership experience to her role as President-Elect. She has served as Kentucky’s representative to the American Library Association (ALA) Council, the association’s policy-making body, where councilors represent their state’s library community and participate in decisions that shape the profession nationally. She also serves as Kentucky’s Law for Librarians representative, a role connected to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. Through this initiative, trained librarians help colleagues understand legal principles affecting libraries, including the First Amendment and intellectual freedom, and prepare to respond to censorship challenges. The program provides education and training, not legal advice, and helps library professionals connect with appropriate legal resources when needed. KLA is the statewide professional association serving Kentucky’s library community through three sections: the Kentucky Public Library Association (KPLA), the Kentucky Association of School Librarians (KASL), and the Kentucky Association of College and Research Libraries (KACRL). Representing professionals across public, school, academic, and research settings, KLA provides opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and collective advocacy on behalf of libraries and their communities. “‘All for One. One for All.’ is more than a motto. It’s a reminder that we are part of something bigger than any one library, institution, or community,” Collins said. “Every library has its own strengths and challenges, but we share a common purpose. I want KLA to be a place where people feel connected to one another, where we learn from our differences, and where every member has the opportunity to contribute to the future of Kentucky libraries.” During the 2026–27 term, KLA’s leadership will emphasize three priorities: meaningful membership engagement, stronger partnerships, and practical advocacy. The team will work to encourage greater collaboration among KLA’s three sections, strengthen relationships with library support organizations and regional and national partners, and provide practical tools that help library professionals advocate effectively in their own communities. These efforts will also recognize the important role played by library staff, trustees, Friends groups, and other supporters. By building a stronger network of people who understand and champion the value of libraries, KLA aims to amplify the collective voice of Kentucky’s library community and help ensure that libraries of every size have the resources and support needed to thrive. “Advocacy is most effective when it becomes part of our everyday work, not just something we do when a funding decision or legislative session demands our attention,” Collins said. “I want librarians to feel confident sharing their stories, building relationships with decision-makers, and helping their communities understand the difference libraries make. When we support one another and speak with a stronger collective voice, we can accomplish more together.” Collins brings a strong background in library leadership and advocacy to the presidency. Since becoming Director of Marion County Public Library in 2023, Collins has led efforts to expand access to library services, develop community partnerships, and create opportunities for lifelong learning. Collins received the 2025 KLA James A. Nelson Advocacy Award, recognizing a commitment to advancing libraries and their role in the communities they serve. That advocacy has extended to the federal level. In March 2026, Collins traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of Kentucky’s delegation to Voices for Libraries, a national advocacy initiative supporting federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding. LSTA funding helps sustain critical services, including interlibrary loan, Talking Books services for individuals who are blind or have print disabilities, E-Rate discounts that support affordable internet access, grant funding, and professional development for library staff. As Collins begins the presidency, the focus remains on collective leadership and a shared commitment to the future of Kentucky libraries. “Strong libraries depend on strong relationships with our colleagues, our communities, and the people who make our work possible,” Collins said. “I’m excited to work with this leadership team and the many librarians, staff members, and Friends who make KLA what it is. Together, we can build an association that is more connected, more engaged, and better equipped to advocate for every library in Kentucky.” For more information about the Kentucky Library Association, its sections, membership, and professional development opportunities, visit www.klaonline.org. Media Contact:
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