The 2025 James Partridge Award honors two leaders transforming library services through equity and impact
Photo of Hornbake Plaza on the UMD College Park Campus, home to the INFO College
Each year, the College of Information (INFO) at the University of Maryland and Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) present the James Partridge Outstanding African American Information Professional Award to honor the achievements of a Black information professional who exemplifies excellence in the field. Established in 1998 and renamed in memory of librarian and advocate James Partridge, the award recognizes career-long dedication, leadership, and a commitment to service that uplifts and empowers communities. Through this honor, INFO and CML celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on the library and information profession. The 2025 awardees of the James Partridge Award are Billy Allen and Darnice Y. Jasper. Both honorees embody the spirit of James Partridge through their leadership, service, and dedication to accessible and inclusive library services.
Darnice Y. Jasper
Darnice Y. Jasper is the manager of Maryland City at Russett Library in Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) System in Maryland. Her career in librarianship started after the birth of her third child, when she took two aptitude tests recommending either a job as a forest ranger or a librarian. Seasonal allergies ruled the first career out, so her journey to libraries began. She received her MLIS degree from the University of Missouri and several years later started her career in Maryland, first at Howard County Library, then finding her home at AACPL. During her 19+ years in the field, Darnice has been a member of the American Library Association (ALA), the Public Library Association (PLA), the Maryland Library Association (MLA), and the Black Caucuses of both ALA and MLA. She served as an intern on the Maryland Library Legislative Panel, a member of the Maryland Library Leadership Institute Committee and presented at the MD TechConnect conference. Leading by example has always been key to Darnice’s work philosophy. Her leadership within her organization has opened opportunities for mentorship, and chairing the library’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team. She is committed to creating library spaces where people feel welcome, included, and, most of all, empowered.
Billy Allen
Billy Allen is a passionate library professional from Charlotte, North Carolina, and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University of Missouri and a Master’s in Library Science from North Carolina Central University. With nearly nine years of experience in librarianship, Billy has a strong background in youth services and currently serves as the Branch Manager of Whitney Library in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Billy has launched several impactful community-focused initiatives at Whitney Library, including mobile showers for the unhoused, community resource fairs, and record sealing clinics—all aimed at increasing access to vital services and resources. He is also the creator of 3kingvisions, a multimedia platform designed to help children develop early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading. In addition to his work with children, Billy is deeply committed to giving back to the community and spreading a positive light on reading. He consistently promotes the importance of literacy and its power to enrich and transform lives.
Learn more about Darnice Y. Jasper’s journey and her impact on libraries in this feature from Anne Arundel County Public Library: https://www.aacpl.net/node/193954.