The Emily Russel Award was established to recognize outstanding contributions to Christian librarianship.

2025 – Libby Bergstrom

The Emily Russel Award is one of ACL’s most treasured honors, recognizing individuals who exemplify the heart of Christian librarianship through selfless service, steadfast dedication, and a commitment to glorifying God in their work.

The 2025 recipient, Libby Bergstrom, has lived out these values throughout a lifetime of service. Beginning her library career at just 16, she served over 15 years as a public librarian in the U.S. before joining Reclaim (formerly IDEAS) in 2002. Since then, she has lived and worked in Turkey, Morocco, and now Amman, Jordan, leading library development initiatives across the Middle East as Global Reach Libraries Director and Consultant. Her efforts have trained local librarians, developed literacy programs for refugees, and equipped volunteers in challenging contexts—opening doors to education and hope for people in some of the world’s most underserved communities.

Within ACL, Libby is a source of encouragement and leadership, actively participating in conferences, the CILA network, and the K–12 Librarians Special Interest Group. Known for her creativity, humility, and collaborative spirit, she connects people, shares resources, and inspires others to see libraries as bridges—to knowledge, opportunity, and the love of Christ.

ACL proudly honors Libby Bergstrom with the 2025 Emily Russel Award for her faithful service, global impact, and unwavering commitment to advancing both the profession and the Kingdom of God.

Emily Russel Award

This award was established in memory of Miss Emily Russel in recognition of her vision and foresight as a cofounder of the Christian Librarians’ Fellowship, now Association of Christian Librarians. For many years Miss Russel was the librarian at Faith Theological Seminary. Later, with the organization of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, she became its librarian, serving until 1968. She died April 20, 1971. The Emily Russel Award was established by the Fellowship at its 15th Annual Conference at Grace College and Theological Seminary. The recipient of the Emily Russel Award is approved by the Board of Directors.

2026 DEADLINE: March 25

SUBMIT NOMINATION

Criteria:

Any combination of the following criteria may be used in selecting honorees:

  1. Foreign service either to missionaries or in international libraries;
  2. Special achievement in the librarian’s own home community situation, church, or other special library;
  3. Publication or contribution to library literature;
  4. Innovative library initiatives;
  5. Professional organizational activities.

Award Details:

  1. A gift as a token of appreciation for the contributions and services rendered to librarianship and/or the Association of Christian Librarians;
  2. All benefits of ACL membership without the payment of dues for life, after retirement.

Past Emily Russel Award Recipients

2022 – Rhoda Palmer
2021 – Carol Reid
2020 – Alice Ruleman
2017 – Sharon Bull
2015 – Nancy J. Olson
2009 – Woodvall Moore
2001 – Ron Jordahl

2000 – Barbara K. Nelson
1999 – Stephen P. Brown
1997 – Eve Kiewitt
1997 – Lois Lehman
1993 – Louis Luesing
1988 – Nancy Dick
1986 – Ivy Olson

1984 – Alberta Chaffe
1981 – Ruth Butler
1979 – Dorothy Spidell
1978 – Ora Ann Sprague
1976 – Shirley Wood
1975 – Miriam Waggoner
1974 – Susan Schultz