The Michigan Library Awards is the can't-miss event for recognizing Michigan's amazing library professionals and libraries. It’s the Michigan library community's own version of the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Grammys, and the Tonys!
Heart of a Champion Award
Julie Bernstein from the Bridgman Public Library in Bridgman Michigan was recognized with the 2024 Heart of a Champion Award. This award recognizes a library supporter who has shown an exceptional commitment to libraries or the library profession through continued advocacy and supporting or providing funding for their local library. Congrats Julie!
Library Support Staff of the Year Award
The 2024 Library Support Staff of the Year Award was awarded to Katie LeBlanc from Clinton-Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township Michigan. This award recognizes a support staff professional who goes above and beyond to provide support at their library and who has advanced and strengthened the image of support staff. Congratulations Katie!
Rising Star Award
The 2024 Rising Star Award was awarded to Wren Davis from the Macdonald Public Library in New Baltimore, Michigan. The Rising Star Award recognizes a librarian who shows leadership early in their career. While new to the profession, winners of this award are forward-thinking, expand the role of librarian, and move libraries into the future. Congrats Wren!
Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth
Jill Ann Lansky from the Kalamazoo Public Library in Kalamazoo Michigan was awarded the 2024 Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth. This award is given annually to a Michigan library staff person who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of library service to youth throughout their career. Congrats Jill!
Academic Librarian of the Year Award
The Academic Librarian of the Year was awarded to Jen Fiero from the William Atkinson Library at Jackson College in Jackson Michigan. This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a librarian or library administrator and their contributions to their institution and academic libraries within the academic year. Congratulations Jen!
School Librarian of the Year Award
The School Librarian of the Year was awarded to Katherine Montei, Library Media Specialist at Lake Orion Community Schools Oakview Middle School in Oakland Charter Township. This award celebrates and honors those who have championed school libraries through volunteerism, administrative support and advocacy. Congratulations Katherine!
Public Librarian of the Year Award
Rob Carpenter from the Herrick District Library in Holland, Michigan was named the 2024 Public Librarian of the Year Award. This award recognizes outstanding library professionals who inspire people, provide innovative library service to their community, promote collaboration among libraries, and show evidence of personal and professional achievement as well as initiative and creativity. Congrats Rob!
Lifetime Achievement Award
Holly Hibner from the Plymouth District Library in Plymouth Michigan received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes a deserving librarian for their distinguished service to the library profession over the course of their career. Throughout their career, winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award have sustained a strong and consistent body of work and demonstrated leadership in their community and the profession – mentoring and empowering library staff, providing innovative service to their community, and enhancing the image and visibility of the library. They promote collaboration among libraries and librarians and have been a catalyst in special areas such as intellectual freedom, library innovation, outreach, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Congratulations Holly!
Intellectual Freedom Award
Kent District Library in Kent County Michigan was honored with the 2024 Intellectual Freedom Award. Established in 2023, the MLA Intellectual Freedom Award recognizes a library for the Board’s and Staff’s outstanding work to protect and/or promote the principles of intellectual freedom and the right to read. Congratulations to Kent District Library and thank you for your work to protect the right to read!
State Librarian’s Citations of Excellence
The State Librarian’s Citations of Excellence were awarded to the Richland Community Library in Richland Michigan, and the West Bloomfield Township Public Library in West Bloomfield Township Michigan. Citations of Excellence are awarded by the Library of Michigan Foundation and the Library of Michigan each year to highlight the importance of Michigan libraries’ services. The Citations of Excellence Awards are supported by the Library of Michigan Foundation. Congratulations to the libraries’ staff and board!
State Librarian’s Excellence Award
The State Librarian’s Excellence Award was awarded to the Kinross Correctional Facility Library in Chippewa County. This award highlights the importance of Michigan libraries’ services and recognizes an exemplary library for its commitment to excellence. The State Librarian’s Excellence Award is sponsored by the Roger and June B. Mendel Fund through the Library of Michigan Foundation. Congratulations to Kinross Correctional Facility Library!
Legislator of the Year
Michigan State Representative Angela Witwer
Legislator of the Year
Michigan State Representative Regina Weiss
