Chris Bitner Selected for 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Award By Nebraska Library Association
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The Nebraska Library Association (NLA) announced today that Chris Bitner
has been recognized as a 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Award winner for their
service as President of the Friends of the Valentine Public Library.
Bitner was nominated by Carrie Graham, Library Director at Valentine Public
Library. In their nomination, Graham wrote, "Chris was instrumental in
forming the Friends in 2007 and has been a dedicated leader ever since.
Under Chris’ leadership, the Friends provide essential volunteer support
and critical fundraising for projects beyond our annual budget. They played
a pivotal role during our 2010 renovation and have since funded meaningful
improvements, including remodeling the meeting room kitchen, landscaping
the new entrance, and adding much-needed office storage. Under Chris'
leadership, the Friends sponsor our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
and gift a free book to every baby born at our local hospital, initiatives
that reflect her dedication to fostering a lifelong love of reading in our
community."
Wyatt Packard, NLA Advocacy Committee Chair, said that It is a joy to
recognize the outstanding volunteers who serve their communities and
empower their libraries. This year's nominations highlight the ways
volunteers boost the efforts of library staff, grow financial support, and
tell the library story.
Bitner is one of eight volunteers to receive this award in 2026. Awards
will be presented in Lincoln on Monday, March 16th, at 10:00 a.m. at the
Nebraska State Bar Foundation.