HILLSBOROUGH, NJ – The New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) presented Senator Andrew Zwicker (LD-16) with the Library Champion Award for his role in passing New Jersey’s Freedom to Read Law and continued advocacy on behalf of New Jersey’s libraries on July 9th at the Hillsborough branch of the Somerset County Library System.

Presented by NJLA Executive Director Brett Bonfield, the annual award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to a New Jersey library or library community.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be recognized by the New Jersey Library Association,” Zwicker said.  “This award is not just a personal honor, but a tribute to the librarians, educators, parents, students, and advocates who worked side by side with me and my colleagues in our efforts to defend the freedom to read. Protecting that freedom ensures our libraries can continue to thrive as trusted centers of learning, exploration, and community across New Jersey.”

New Jersey’s Freedom to Read law comes at a time when extreme book bans are spreading rapidly across the country, threatening marginalized voices and putting librarians under attack. At North Hunterdon Regional High School, located in the 16th Legislative District, librarian Martha Hickson fought multiple attempts to ban books and became a leading voice in New Jersey against censorship. She was recognized by the NJLA in 2023 as their Librarian of the Year, and her story served as a catalyst for Zwicker’s push to pass the Freedom to Read Act.

Continuing his support for New Jersey’s public libraries, Zwicker successfully secured $150,000 in the FY26 state budget for the Main Library Alliance, a network of over 50 public libraries located in Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren Counties. The funding will go towards supporting a major regional library consolidation, saving millions annually and expanding access for 1.2M residents.

“New Jersey residents couldn’t ask for a stronger library champion than Senator Andrew Zwicker,” said NJLA Executive Director Brett Bonfield. “He listens to everyone carefully in order to understand their perspective, works effectively with legislators on both sides of the aisle, here in New Jersey and in other states, and develops consensus solutions. His work echoes what libraries do in their communities and on their campuses, and it represents governance at its most effective.”

Also in attendance for the award presentation were Hillsborough Library Branch Manager Catherine DeBerry, NJLA President John Wallace, and Somerset County Library System Director Brian Auger.