Julie Biersack, assistant administrator at Emerald Trail Elementary School and former learning and technology specialist for District 196, has been honored with the 2025 Distinguished School Library Supporter Award for her advocacy and unwavering support of school library media specialists. 

The Distinguished School Library Supporter Award is presented by the Minnesota Library Association (MLA) to recognize individuals who have significantly supported school library operations and advanced the role of school libraries in education. 

Throughout her tenure at District 196, Biersack has served as a liaison between the district's library media specialists and administration. While not a library media specialist by training, she became a strong advocate for those she worked with, doing everything in her power to support them and learn about the valuable work they do. 

"When she didn't initially understand the 'why' behind a request from the library team, she would listen to their concerns, ask clarifying questions, and help solidify their requests to ensure the best possible outcome for their needs," said colleagues. "When asked for money to attend professional development, the answer was most often 'yes' and 'what else do you need to support your work?' She desired to see them succeed." 

Biersack's most significant advocacy came during the 2024-2025 school year, when several buildings faced retirements of library media specialists, and the hiring of replacements was in question. Biersack advocated for maintaining full-time library media specialists and presented a strong educational and literacy rationale for doing so.. 

"She knows the value of library media specialists and how students succeed when they have a library champion to instill a love of reading for pleasure and get the right books into each student’s hand," noted the nomination. "Julie is a true supporter of school libraries and works to make them better each day in District 196." 

Her commitment to professional development, understanding library operations, and dedication to ensuring every student has access to a qualified library media specialist have made a lasting impact on District 196. 

The award was presented at the 2025 Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference in October. 

About MLA: The Minnesota Library Association is a non-profit professional organization representing libraries and library professionals throughout Minnesota. 

About ITEM: The Information Technology Educators of Minnesota supports library media specialists and technology educators across the state, recognizing excellence and innovation in educational technology and library services. 

Contact: office@mnlibraryassociation.org 

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District 196 provides boundless opportunities and infinite possibilities for more than 30,000 students in early childhood, K-12 and adult education programs, as well as community education programs for lifelong learners of all ages. 

District 196 serves more than 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville and Vermillion Township in Dakota County, Minnesota. For more information, 

visit District196.org.