MHSLA issues the Librarian of the Year Award annually at the annual conference. The purpose of this career award is to recognize a librarian for outstanding leadership and accomplishment in library service.
Past honorees have been:
| 2023 | Stephanie Swanberg |
| 2019 |
Betsy Williams |
| 2017 | Melanie Bednarski |
| 2016 | Toni Janik |
| 2015 | Mary Hanson |
| 2014 | Diane Gardner |
| 2013 | Valerie Reid |
| 2012 | Mary Fitzpatrick |
| 2011 | Doris Blauet |
| 2010 | Marilyn Kostrewski |
| 2009 | Jill Turner |
| 2008 | Ellen O'Donnell |
| 2007 | Mike Simmons |
| 2006 | Jennifer Barlow |
| 2005 | Chris Allen |
| 2004 |
Sandra Swanson |
Past honorees have been:
| 2019 | Nancy Bulgarelli |
| 2017 | Valeria Long |
| 2016 | Sharon Williams |
| 2015 | Mary Hanson |
| 2011 | Marge Kars |
| 2010 | Maureen Watson |
| 2009 | Betty Marshall, Patricia Martin, and Patricia Wolfgram |
| 2008 | Lee Ann McGaugh and Carole Gilbert |