Sharon Gulla Honored as 2026 New Hampshire Children’s Librarian of the Year
The Moultonborough Public Library is thrilled to announce that Sharon Gulla, Head of Youth Services, has been named the 2026 Children’s Librarian of the Year by the Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire. This prestigious award arrives as Sharon celebrates 20 years of dedicated service to the families of Moultonborough.
Sharon was selected for the statewide award for her caring nature, proactive leadership, her innovative approach to youth programming, and her deep-seated compassion for the well-being of the town’s youngest residents.
Two Decades of Impactful Service
Sharon joined the Moultonborough Public Library in 2006, transitioning from a career in local schools. In 2014, she became the Head of Youth Services, leading collection development, programs, and all other services for young people visiting the library.
“Sharon once said that being the Children’s Librarian is her joy,” said Jo-Ann Roy, a colleague of Sharon’s at the Library. “You see that joy every time a child runs to ‘Mrs. Gulla.’ She doesn’t just manage a department; she fosters a sense of belonging for every person who walks through our doors.”
A Legacy of Community Care
The impact of Sharon’s work is felt through the testimonials of the families she serves. Local parent and library patron Megan Frame shared the profound influence Gulla has had on her household:
“Her impact on my family has been extraordinary. At home, my three-year-old daughter pretends to be ‘Mrs. Gulla,’ reading story time to her younger sister—an adorable testament to the deep impression she has made,” Megan shared. “She embodies everything a library professional should be: knowledgeable, dedicated, and deeply caring. Our library and community are better, brighter, and more connected because of her.”
Career Highlights
Sharon has made significant contributions to the Moultonborough community over the years. She continually creates a welcoming space for families to visit at the library, and brings her love of early childhood education out into the community through partnerships with the schools and local organizations.
A Space for All: Sharon has transformed the library’s youth area into a sanctuary for youth of all ages, which is often bustling with families meeting to play and connect with one another and students visiting after school. She has created a play area for babies and toddlers to explore creative and fine motor-skill activities, a comfortable space for school-aged children and their families to gather, and a space just for teens.
Creative and Collaborative Programming: Sharon, herself, leads multiple storytimes every week, along with an always-popular monthly “Music and Movement” program that gets toddlers singing and dancing along to music, craft programs, and Middle School Monday activities. In addition, she has built meaningful relationships with other organizations and individuals to offer fun and educational programs throughout the year. In partnership with the Recreation Department, seasonal events, such as the Boo-levard, attract hundreds of people; during the summer, Sharon brings storytime to Castle in the Clouds and the NH Boat Museum; every fall she hosts a Lego Competition for youth at the Sandwich Fair. The list is endless and there is always something new.
Compassionate Outreach: Sharon leads the Children’s Holiday Trust Fund, a community effort that provides winter clothing, food, and gifts to over 50 local children in need every year during the winter holidays. Her dedication is so well-regarded that the fund has received a $10,000 anonymous donation for the past several years.
Nurturing New Generations: Sharon thoughtfully sends home gift books for newborns and their siblings in the community, nurturing a love of reading from the very beginning of a child’s life. At a recent Friends of the Library meeting following Sharon’s youth services monthly report in which she detailed all the outreach and programming she has recently offered, the Friends erupted in applause and one member remarked, “Sharon is raising readers!”
Beyond the Library Desk
Sharon’s presence is felt everywhere in Moultonborough. From being dressed up for holiday celebrations around town, to her presence on the school steps to welcome students back on the first day of classes, Sharon is loved by the community that she cares and does so much for.
