KY Virtual Library Honors Sister Judith Riney with annual Sheree Award

July 22, 2025

Sister Judith Nell Riney, the recently retired director of library services at Brescia University, is this year’s winner of the Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) Sheree Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the Kentucky Virtual Library through their service to the organization.

“Sister Judith has been a respected and beloved colleague in KYVL and across the Commonwealth throughout her 45-year library career,” said Ilona Burdette, KYVL Executive Director. “She was involved when the state was exploring the creation of KYVL more than 25 years ago, and she has continued to contribute to KYVL’s mission of making high-quality, affordable library resources available throughout Kentucky ever since.”

“I am so grateful that I live in a state that had the wisdom to provide a KYVL for every citizen, no matter [their] age, race, wealth, or religion,” said Sr. Judith on receiving the award. “KYVL demonstrates that Kentucky genuinely cares about providing equal educational opportunities for all its members, and I am truly proud to have been a part of this KYVL organization since its beginnings.”

Sheree Williams, namesake and inaugural recipient of KYVL’s Sheree Award, was on hand to make this year’s presentation.

A program of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, KYVL provides online access to library services and resources at discounted rates to K-12, university, special and public libraries. For more information about KYVL, visit the website at https://kyvl.org.