Each year CLEL honors librarians and organizations that exemplify CLEL’s vision of Early Literacy for All.

Awards are announced at the annual conference and selected by the Steering Committee from a pool of nominated candidates. 

CLEL HERO AWARD (Individual)

The CLEL Hero award is a career achievement award for outstanding generosity to Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy and/or the support of early literacy in the state.

2022: Polly Gallagher, Grand County Library District

2021: Betsy Brainard, Arapahoe Libraries

2020: Lori Romero, Arapahoe Libraries

2019: Kristin Grabarak, Denver Public Library

2018: Adam Gonzales, Cañon City Public Library

2017: Sherry Pearson, Spanish Peaks Library District

2016: Melissa Depper, Arapahoe Library District

2015: Beth Crist, Colorado State Library

CLEL RISING STAR AWARD (Individual)

The CLEL Rising Star Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional work in early literacy. This person may be newer to the field and a rising star who inspires others to do outstanding early literacy work.

2022: Angelique Velasco, Lafayette Public Library

2021: Julia Makowski, Buena Vista Public Library

2020: Carolyn Valencia, High Plains Library District

2018: Julie Crab, Anythink Library District

Previous Award Titles

CLEL ROCK STAR AWARD 

The Early Literacy Rock Star award will go to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional work in early literacy.  

2017: Robyn Lupa, Jeffco Public Library

2016: Lizz Martensen, Montrose Regional Library

CLEL CHAMPION AWARD (Individual)

For outstanding commitment to the promotion of early literacy throughout the state of Colorado and consistent support of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy.

2014: Lt. Governor Joseph Garcia

2013: Lisa Dengerink, Denver Public Library

CLEL CORPORATE AWARD (Organization)

For outstanding commitment to the promotion of early literacy throughout the state of Colorado and consistent support of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy. 

2022: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Colorado

2021: LENA

2020:  Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation

2018: Oakwood Homes (for support of the Denver Public Library Read Aloud Program)

2017: VROOM

2016: Bright by Three

2015: Rocky Mountain PBS

​Previously: CLEL CHAMPION AWARD (Organization)

For outstanding generosity to the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy and the support of early literacy in the state of Colorado.

2014: 1st Plymouth Church