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By sharing stories, research, and recognition, USA-TLA connects those who believe every child deserves access to learning through play

Jane Donelson “Player of the Year” Award

Each year a deserving USA-TLA member or member company is honored with the Jane Donelson Player of the Year award for outstanding contributions to toy libraries and early childhood development. Since the award’s inception in 1985 many renowned professionals concerned with ensuring that play is a centerpiece to a young child’s life and learning experience have won this award.

2022 Award Winners

Anelis Coscioni

Director of the Toy Lending Library of South Dakota

2020 Award Winners

Jenn Kush

USATLA Social Media Advisor; Chicago, New Zealand, Portugal

Michele Poulos

Teacher, Play Expert; Naples, Florida

Northbrook Public Library

Northbrook, Illinois

2019 Award Winners

Marcia Benitez

L.A. County Department of Public Social Services

Rebecca Nutter

Director, Minneapolis Toy Library

2018 Award Winners

Cuyahoga County Public Library

(left to right) Donna Giantonnia, USATLA Board Member • Celia Huffman, Youth Education Coordinator, Cuyahoga County Public Library • Tracy Strobel, Deputy Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library • Pam Jankowski, Literacy and Learning Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library

2017 Award Winners

Rochester Toy Library

Accepting the award for the Rochester Toy Library was Sarah Fitts-Romig, currently toy librarian at the RTL and speaker at the recent Rochester-USA-TLA Conference.

Deb Willsea

Ms. Willsea gave singular support and inspiration to the Rochester Toy Library over the last 30 years as it took shape and gained a community foothold. She is now engaged in starting a toy library in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

2013 Award Winners

Elaine and Myron Adler

Elaine and Myron Adler founded the Adler Toy Library at the Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center, part of Children’s Aid and Family Services in Paramus, N.J. Children from preschool to kindergarten delight in its holdings.

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Jane Donelson “Player of the Year” Award

2022 Award Winners

2020 Award Winners

2019 Award Winners

2018 Award Winners

2017 Award Winners

2015 Award Winners

2014 Award Winners

2013 Award Winners

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