Celebrating a True Standout: Volunteer of the Year, Inaiyah Smith

The Iowa City Public Library is proud to name Inaiyah Smith as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year—a title that only begins to capture the remarkable impact she has made over the past four years. From her first day in the Teen Space to her final project before heading off to college, Inaiyah has exemplified the very best of what it means to serve, inspire, and lead

Inaiyah began volunteering at ICPL nearly four years ago, fulfilling all 200 of her Silver Cord hours with us. From the outset, she impressed us with her professionalism, warmth, and unwavering dedication. Though she was a bit reserved during her first week, it was instantly clear that she had a spark—bright, thoughtful, and endlessly capable.

We’ve seen that spark shine across countless projects and interactions. Whether it was helping facilitate teen programs, designing creative displays, or suggesting new ideas for teen engagement, Inaiyah always brought intention, insight, and joy to her work. Her initiative led to the creation of a teen volunteer board, empowering her peers to get involved and learn the value of giving back. Her artwork, book recommendations, and program ideas have helped shape the Teen Space into a more vibrant, inclusive, and engaging community hub.

What makes Inaiyah exceptional isn’t just the range of her skills—it’s her spirit. She leads with kindness, meets challenges with creativity, and works with quiet yet powerful confidence. She's a National Honor Society member, a dedicated student, a Little Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and now a model for what youth leadership can look like in a public library setting.

To honor her legacy, ICPL has created a new recognition inspired by her journey: The Teen Trailblazer Award. We hope this award will continue to inspire others to lead with courage, creativity, and compassion—just as Inaiyah has done every step of the way.

This fall, Inaiyah will begin her college journey. While her departure will leave a space that’s hard to fill, we know she’s off to do even greater things. We are endlessly proud, endlessly grateful, and forever changed by the time she spent with us.
Congratulations, Inaiyah! Your legacy at ICPL will continue to inspire for years to come.