Rep. Lopez to be recognized with the 2026 Legislative Champion Advocacy Award by Indiana Library Federation
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 13, 2026) – State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) will be recognized by the Indiana Library Federation with the 2026 Legislative Champion Advocacy Award at the 2026 ILF Annual Conference: Libraries at the Crossroads of Learning, on Nov. 9, 2026.
The ILF said Lopez will be honored with this year's award because of his instrumental work advocating for Indiana's libraries and supporting their ability to continue serving Hoosier communities.
“My mom was a librarian for 40 years and I grew up in public libraries, so I know better than most that strong, well-funded libraries are essential to the overall quality, health, and livability of any community," Lopez said. "This is such a special and personally moving recognition for me, I am so grateful to the ILF, and I will continue to work with their members to make sure our citizens understand what thriving libraries represent for our communities.”
As the legislature debated local property tax reform throughout the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, Lopez advocated for public libraries and the protection of their funding streams and budgets. He also supported the current state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, which includes continued funding for the Indiana State Library, statewide library services and library services for the blind.
“Library advocacy is about relationships and making sure our legislators understand what is happening in libraries across Indiana,” said Austin Stroud, President of the Indiana Library Federation. “We’re grateful for those who take the time to listen to our library community and understand the work being done every day.”
The Legislative Champion Advocacy Award is given to a state or federal legislator who has promoted and supported legislative efforts for Indiana libraries, media centers or librarianship.
Lopez was previously named the 2026 Legislative Champion by the Indiana Technology & Innovation Association and Champion Freshman Legislator by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in 2025. In his first term, his other legislative efforts included boosting economic development, reforming Indiana’s courts, constraining the growth of Medicaid, supporting Hoosier youth in the foster care system and strengthening public safety in Hamilton County. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
Lopez will be formally celebrated alongside library professionals and advocates at the ILF Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place November 8–10, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis.
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State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) represents House District 39,
which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
About: ILF is the statewide nonprofit organization for all library types: academic, public, school, special and library supporters. It is the largest organization of its kind in Indiana, boasting more than 2,000 personal, institutional, library trustee and business affiliate contributing members. For more information, visit www.ilfonline.org.
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