In recognition of her exceptional and sustained service to the Pennsylvania Library Association, libraries, and librarians, the Pennsylvania Library Association presented the 2025 Distinguished Service Award to Kimberley Hrivnak, Chief Operating Officer for the Allegheny County Library Association.
As ACLA’s COO, Kimberley is part of a team that oversees 46 independent libraries with more than 70 locations and a budget of $14M, serving a population of 1.2M county residents. The responsibilities related to her “day job” would no doubt keep anyone sufficiently occupied; however, Kimberley always aspires to do more.
After moving to Pennsylvania in 2001, Kimberley immediately joined the Pennsylvania Library Association and has been an active member ever since. She quickly accepted a leadership position in the Southwest Chapter, served on multiple conference committees, awards committees, and PA Forward® committees over the years. Through her leadership on the Legislative Committee since 2018, Kimberley has worked with PaLA members from public, academic and school libraries to promote advocacy for library funding. Under her direction, the committee launched both the Legislator Information Session for members of the General Assembly and their staff and the Legislative Town Hall to familiarize members with the budget process and provide talking points and advocacy tips. Successful membership advocacy campaigns with her leadership were achieved with an increase of 9% to the public library subsidy in 2019-2020, and another 18% increase in 2022-2023.
Kimberley’s service to the association does not stop at the Legislative Committee – she also provides legislative reports the Southwest Chapter and Public Library Division at their regular meetings. Filling the role of mentor quite naturally, Kimberley counsels new library professionals through PaLA’s Mentorship program as well as the PALS Director’s Institute and currently serves on the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Board of Directors.
Kimberley selflessly shares her knowledge, time and experience to help make Pennsylvania libraries and library services better for all residents. Her efforts have left a lasting impact on many in the library profession, and on the Pennsylvania Library Association.
“It is an honor to receive this award – particularly as I was both nominated and selected by my peers,” Kimberley said. “One of my priorities has been to ensure that library staff have the tools and resources they need to lead and to inspire. Having the opportunity to work with my colleagues from across the Commonwealth to educate and advocate on behalf of libraries and library services is truly a privilege. After all, working together makes us stronger.”
“Kimberley’s professionalism and expertise shine with every interaction, and we are all better in this profession with her in it,” said ACLA CEO Amy Anderson. “Her understanding of not only what will benefit Allegheny County libraries, but libraries across the Commonwealth makes her a champion for us all. I am honored to work every day with Kimberley and I look forward to all the amazing work she will continue to do in the years to come.”
Kimberley was nominated for this award by Sandy Longo, the Executive Director of the Lackawanna County Library System.
“I nominated Kimberley because her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise knows no boundaries,” Sandy said. “All that Kimberley knows relative to advocacy, policies and resources is invaluable in current times. Furthermore, her years of experience in libraries, librarianship, and commitment to service through the Pennsylvania Library Association is unparalleled. Simply, she walks her talk.”