Eleni Kavros DeGraw, a state representative from Avon, Connecticut, has been honored as the 2026 Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) due to her significant contributions to library advocacy and digital access legislation. The award was announced during a ceremony on May 13 at the Mark Twain Library in Redding. Kavros DeGraw, who represents the 17th House District, has been a strong advocate for Connecticut's libraries since her election in 2020. She is notably recognized for co-authoring legislation aimed at requiring publishers to negotiate fair licensing terms for libraries concerning eBooks and other digital materials. This initiative has positioned Connecticut as a leader in the national dialogue on library access to digital content. Erin Dummeyer, president of the CLA, praised Kavros DeGraw for her unwavering support of libraries and the communities they serve, emphasizing her role in elevating discussions about equitable access to information. Alongside Kavros DeGraw, other legislators, including state Rep. Matt Blumenthal and several state senators, were also recognized for their contributions to library advocacy.