Valentine woman honored with statewide library award

VALENTINE, Neb. — A Valentine woman will be honored with a statewide library award later this month.

Chris Bitner has been selected to receive a 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Advocacy Committee of the Nebraska Library Association. Bitner serves as president of the Friends of the Valentine Public Library and was instrumental in forming the organization in 2007.

“In addition to her full-time position at Cherry County Hospital, she gives countless hours to the library,” said Valentine Public Library Director Carrie Graham. “As library director, I can confidently say she is one of the first people I call when a new idea arises or a challenge needs solving. Her steady leadership and unwavering support have strengthened both the Friends organization and our library.”

Under Bitner’s leadership, the Friends group provides volunteer support and raises money for projects that fall outside the library’s annual budget. The organization played a key role during the library’s 2010 renovation and has since helped fund several improvements, including remodeling the meeting room kitchen, landscaping the new entrance and adding additional office storage.

“Chris was also a strong advocate in bringing a Little Free Library to Valentine, expanding access to books and reinforcing our commitment to literacy and outreach,” Graham said.

Bitner also helps coordinate library programs and community events, including the Beyond the Book series, the annual Friends of the Library Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

“From launching new adult experiences like our upcoming wine tasting collaboration to hosting beloved youth events such as the ‘Stuffed Animal Sleepover’ and ‘Elephant & Piggie Party,’ Chris ensures the library remains a vibrant, welcoming gathering place for all ages,” Graham said.

The award will be presented during Advocacy Day in Lincoln on March 16 at the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.