Williston library director named North Dakota Librarian of the Year

Williston Community Library Director Andrea Placher has been named the North Dakota Library Association’s 2025 Librarian of the Year.

Placher received the award at the NDLA Annual Conference banquet on Thursday, Oct. 2. The honor, established in 1992, is given to an association member who has made notable contributions to the library profession, advanced significant developments in North Dakota libraries, and performed exemplary statewide service over an extended period.

Placher has worked with the Williston Community Library for nearly 15 years and is serving as NDLA president in 2025.

“Andrea is known as one of the most supportive, understanding, kind and all-around genuine humans you could ever hope to work with,” one nomination letter read. “Under her leadership, program attendance, funding and circulation have all grown. She inspires her staff and mentors the team with a servant heart. She doesn’t just talk about community impact and putting patrons first, she exemplifies it.”

The award was presented by NDLA President Elect Jason Bedsaul, who will take over after Placher completes her term.

“It’s an honor. I truly believe in these associations, and I truly believe in our communities,” Placher said as she accepted the award. “I love my staff so much, I could not do what I do with the support of them and the support of all of you.”

During the conference in Grand Forks, Placher helped organize the event and interviewed special guests, including Goosebumps author R.L. Stine. Throughout the year, she has also met with legislators in Bismarck to discuss the importance of libraries across the state.

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“I’ve always said we have the best librarian in North Dakota, and this award just proves me right,” said Williston Mayor Howard Klug. “The library is a true jewel to our community and Williams County. It serves everybody from toddlers just learning how to read all the way up to our seniors who use it for research and education. The library has always been special to me as the mayor, and Andrea has done a great job of providing for our community.”