Letter From Debbie

Match 24, 2022

A close friend and colleague often tells me, “Your passion is showing!” And indeed, it does! When you love what you do and find excitement and inspiration in every nuance and challenge, you become what another former colleague at Project for Public Spaces calls “Zealous Nuts” or better yet, what Dale Carnegie labels as “Flaming Enthusiasm.” For 45 years, I’ve been able to work in the nonprofit cultural sector, and never once have I considered doing anything else.

But I don’t think I’m the only one that exudes those traits. Enthusiasm and passion seem to be the formidable foundation by which MLA staff live their lives as well. As we celebrate the strength and legacy of MLA, we also recognize the incredible passion that each of the current staff members brings to making MLA what it is today. It is important to remember that organizations are only as good as the people they employ. It is always about the people! 

The MLA team – Amber, Rachel, Lisa, Keeley and Ryan exude a “Can Do” attitude every single day. No task is too big, too daunting, or too challenging. I’ve said it before…they are innovative thinkers; they are kind, generous, and sometimes very funny; they take initiative at every opportunity; they are resourceful and creative; and best of all, they anticipate and identify challenges long before they reach my desk. Without a doubt, it gives me great pleasure to work with them on a daily basis and this note allows me to express my appreciation for a job well done.

“Enthusiasm rules” as we advocate, educate and engage libraries and library workers throughout Michigan. As Roald Dahl states, “If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be.” 

Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director

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