(Bradenton, Fla., August 25, 2022) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s Alicia K. Long ’08 has received the Dr. Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year Award from REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. Long currently is the access services supervisor at SCF Bradenton’s Library and Learning Center.

Long participates in projects promoting literacy, including family literacy events in the local community, such as “Soar in 4 Manatee.” She is an advocate for promoting books that feature diversity. Long is also an American Library Association Spectrum Scholar, has served on several REFORMA committees, and was the 2021-22 president of the REFORMA of Florida chapter. Her noteworthy lectures and presentations include “Latinx YA Literature and Student Success” at the College Board and “Changing the Face of Librarianship: REFORMA and Library Services to Latino Communities.” In addition to her work at SCF, Long is also an adjunct instructor of diversity in literature at the University of South Florida (USF).

This summer, Long attended the American Library Association’s annual conference in Washington D.C. where she received the award from REFORMA and served as one of 14 guest bloggers, documenting the conference for those who could not attend. Her coverage included a storytelling program at the Library of Congress and the presentation of the Pura Belpré Award.

Long moved to the United States after working as an elementary school and adult literacy teacher in her native country of Argentina. She earned an associate degree from SCF, then Manatee Community College, in 2008, and began working at the college in 2011. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from USF, and is enrolled in a doctoral program through the University of Missouri.

REFORMA presents The Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year Award annually in recognition of a librarian who has distinguished themselves in their field, promoted and advocated services to the Spanish-speaking and Latino communities, and made outstanding contributions to REFORMA. Trejo was the founding president of REFORMA. For more information about the award, visit REFORMA.org/loty.

To learn more about SCF’s libraries, visit SCF.edu/Library.