The July 2026 newsletter of Let’s Move in Libraries includes:

• An inspiring story from Illinois
• Outdoor-focused librarian wins national award
• The Safe Routes to Libraries Impact Brief
• How and why to join our monthly Birds of a Feather online conversation

But first, our main story.

Does your library do great things with community partners? Share your story in the Fourth Annual I Partner with My Public Library Awards.

The call for nominations is open through August 31, 2026.

Here is a direct link to the nomination form.

Nominations have now been open for a month. Below are some excerpts from nominations already received to inspire your submissions (and partnerships!)

“We average 50 attendees per month — that’s a lot of people on a nature trail. This program was originally planned for children and families. The people at our Disabilities & Special Needs department saw the program and thought it would be perfect for their group. They weren’t wrong. I wasn’t sure how adults would respond to the storytimes and the crafts, but they have loved it. It has been an incredible experience to see how much joy it brings.”

“We have one patron that came every week to meet with [library partner]. He started coming to re-learn basic computer skills after a traumatic brain injury. After getting comfortable on the computer they then pivoted to memory and other skills that were directly affected by his accident. He has since been able to start volunteering at the local food bank/thrift store. In 2025, this learner won [partner]’s Perseverance Award.”

“A family arrived with several young children and initially stayed at the edge of the program area, observing the activities. As the session progressed, the children joined in crafts, games, and story-based activities while library and recreation staff connected with the parents. During the conversation, the family shared that they had never visited the library and were unaware of the free services available to them. By the end of the program, the children had signed up for the Summer Reading Club and the parents had learned about additional library and recreation opportunities available throughout the year.”

“A survey of Moms’ Night Out participants showed an average score of 4.75 out of 5 when asked about the program’s impact on their ability to parent, their relationship with their child, and their relationship with the other mothers.”

To get more inspiration, check out who won in 2025, 2024, and 2023. Also check out the “Stories of Partnerships” webpage. Over the last three years, we have received so many amazing nominations, but we’re only able to award 10 partners a year. This Stories of Partnerships webpage serves to showcase many of the other amazing stories we’ve received over the years.

As in previous years, a team of volunteer reviewers makes these awards possible. Awards reviewers will spend approximately 3-5 hours reviewing nominations and filling out an online form based on that review. Learn more and serve as a reviewer! You can both submit a nomination and serve as a reviewer: We’ll make sure you don’t review your own nomination!

We can’t wait to see your nominations! Join us in this celebration of the power of community partnerships.

An inspiring story from Illinois

Our thanks to Kelly Kuningas, Adult Services Librarian, Algonquin Area Public Library District, Illinois, for sharing this inspiring and impactful story with us! Share your story to inspire others using this link.

“Among the many healthy living programs and events we host, the Worth 1,000 Words Photography Club meets off site at local nature centers, gardens and more to take photos and share social time while walking together.  This group started a few years ago and has grown to over 15 members, we love sharing tips and stories of our photography adventures!

The best part about the group are the friendships and connections we have made with each other.  We here so many positive comments and feedback — everyone looks forward to our monthly meetings.  We also had an exhibit of our work in the library!

Our next meeting in July will be at the Crystal Lake Farmer’s Market – a chance to take photos and buy some amazing fresh fruits and veggies, while walking outdoors – a great combination!”

Thanks, Kelly, for inspiring us with this story!

Outdoor-focused librarian wins national award

Mary Anne Russo, who recently retired from library service after 42 years, transformed the Children’s Room at Hubbard (Ohio) Public Library from a dark basement into a vibrant, welcoming space that inspires learning and imagination. Through a thoughtful redesign featuring natural light, dedicated program areas, and a sensory garden (which opened in 2014), Russo created a hub for families and children. Beyond the space, she launched impactful initiatives including a permanent StoryWalk® and three outdoor musical instruments (3 Sunflower Petal Drums), leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, access, and community engagement.

For this work she was one ten librarians receive prestigious 2026 I Love My Librarian Award for outstanding public service.

Congratulations on this well-earned award and enjoy your retirement, Mary Anne!

Thank you to Cynthia Hirtzel, Hubbard Friends of the Library, for sharing this news note with us.

The Safe Routes to Libraries Impact Brief

With the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Safe Routes Partnership (SRP) have collaborated since 2024 to lay the groundwork for a national “Safe Routes to Libraries” program.

This initiative is designed to foster walking, biking, and rolling access to public library buildings across the United States, with the goal of safely connecting communities to library resources and programs that enhance the literacy and health outcomes of all Americans.

In February 2025, ULC and SRP surveyed members of ULC and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries to understand the existing landscape of Safe Routes to Libraries work before the implementation of a national initiative.

This new Impact Brief released May 2026 explores the work libraries are already doing across North America to improve the walkability and bike-ability of their buildings — from transportation safety and bike education programs to community audits and StoryWalks! Take a look and place share widely.

How to join our monthly Birds of a Feather online conversations