PSJA ISD’s Linda Martinez Named Regional Innovative Librarian and 2025 LJ Mover & Shaker

Pharr – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Librarian Linda Martinez was recently named Regional Innovative Librarian by the Region One Education Service Center and recognized as a 2025 Library Journal (SLJ) Mover & Shaker by Library Journal.  

These well-earned recognitions reflect her outstanding contributions to her students and school communities.  

Martinez says that when she received the email notifying her of the Library Journal Mover & Shaker award, she was overwhelmed with excitement. Her passion for her profession stems from the opportunity to help students and watch them flourish.  

“Innovation in librarianship is about more than books—it’s about opportunity, support, and connection,” Martinez shares. “If I can make a difference by adapting, creating, and saying ‘yes’ to what students need, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.” 

Martinez serves at multiple campuses. She continuously transforms library spaces to reflect these unique needs, turning them into engaging learning spaces that spark curiosity, independence, and discovery. By repurposing materials into engaging literacy décor to incorporating technology into interactive projects, she ensures that libraries remain centers of inspiration and growth for students. 

This year, she took on a multi-campus librarian role at Buell Center DAEP, PSJA CCTA, and Pathways Toward Independence (PTI), where her resourcefulness and flexibility have been instrumental to her success. Always seeking innovative ways to engage students, she recently led PTI students on visits to elementary libraries, where they gained hands-on experience shelving books, checking in materials, and organizing library spaces.  

Her impact goes beyond books—she is committed to meeting students' needs in all areas, from teaching life skills and offering support to creating meaningful opportunities for their growth and success. 

Her recognition at both the regional and national level reflects the dedication and passion that PSJA librarians bring to education. Join us in celebrating Linda Martinez’s incredible achievement and thanking her for her commitment to our students and schools. 

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