Presented in partnership with the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA), and the Michigan Association for School Librarians (MASL), the Michigan Library Awards honor outstanding librarians, staff, trustees, and institutions who inspire, innovate, and elevate library service across Michigan.
The Michigan Library Awards annual gala is the can’t-miss celebration of Michigan’s remarkable libraries, library professionals, and advocates—the very best in the Michigan library community.
Held during the MLA Annual Conference, the gala brings together library staff, trustees, and supporters from across the state for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration, featuring dinner, an awards show with entertainment and special guests, and plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and honor the achievements of Michigan’s library community.
2025 Michigan Library Awards
The Michigan Library Association, in partnership with the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA), and the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL), is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Michigan Library Awards!
Presented annually, the Michigan Library Awards honor excellence, dedication, and outstanding service in the Michigan library community. The awards recognize library professionals, advocates, and institutions that support the highest quality library services, ensure access to information, and safeguard the right to read for all Michiganders.
These awards give us an opportunity to celebrate, and champion, the many librarians, library workers, and advocates who provide meaningful services and create lasting connections in their communities," said Jenny Marr, President of the Michigan Library Association. “Your wins, your creativity, and even the challenges you overcome are what keep Michigan’s libraries strong — across our schools, campuses, public, tribal, and special libraries. What you do matters deeply, and we’re grateful for your service."
The 2025 honorees were unveiled on Wednesday, October 29, during the Michigan Library Awards gala in Lansing. Each recipient was selected through a peer-review process for their exceptional achievements.
Hosted by artist and community leader Ozay Moore, the 2025 Michigan Library Awards gala celebrated the outstanding people and libraries that make Michigan’s library community one of the most dynamic and dedicated in the nation. Highlights included a welcome message from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, remarks from MLA President Jenny Marr and Library of Michigan Foundation Executive Director Sarah Shaw, and award presentations by State Librarian Randy Riley and MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee Chair Michele Howard, and special guest and Legislator of the Year honoree Representative Veronica Paiz.
The evening concluded with a video tribute featuring congratulations from colleagues, friends, and family across the state, celebrating the profound impact of Michigan’s library professionals and advocates.
View remarks from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and congratulations messages for our honorees below. View photos from the evening of our honorees at www.paulstoloff.photo/p880892414. Thank you to Photographer Paul Stoloff for sharing these photos!
Meet the 2025 Michigan Library Award Honorees
Heart of a Champion Award
Erin Carlson Elk Township Library and Sandusky District Library
Recognized for her tireless advocacy and leadership in strengthening library services locally and across Sanilac County. Carlson’s work has secured funding, expanded access, and inspired community engagement.
Library Support Staff of the Year
Heather Harris Brady Traverse Area District Library
Honored for her creativity and dedication to community connection — including leadership in the “Year of Reading”, millage campaign support, and initiatives to promote access and equity in library services.
Rising Star Award
Rae Stoloff Madison Heights Public Library
Celebrated for innovative early-career leadership and transformative community programming, including the development of a Makers Space and a “Library of Things” collection that expanded what the library offers to its community.
Francis H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth
Traci Scarbrough Comstock Township Library
Honored for her transformative impact on youth services, creative programming, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and literacy for children and teens.
Academic Librarian of the Year
Liz Svoboda Frances Willson Thompson Library, University of Michigan–Flint
Recognized for her leadership, innovation, and engagement across campus — including programs such as Paws for Stress Relief and Late Night at the Library that strengthen student success and wellbeing.
School Librarian of the Year
Christina Chatel Troy School District (Boulan Park and Smith Middle Schools)
Celebrated for her collaborative leadership, integration of new technologies, and commitment to student access and intellectual freedom. Her innovative Troybery Celebration and makerspace programming continue to inspire educators statewide.
Public Librarian of the Year
Rebekah Craft Baldwin Public Library
Honored for fearless, principled leadership that has advanced inclusion, equity, and library governance. Craft’s advocacy for library autonomy and her empowerment of staff exemplify the modern public library leader.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Trisha A. Burns Bay County Library System (Retired)
Recognized for a distinguished 20-year career marked by exceptional leadership, mentorship, and innovation. Under her direction, the Bay County Library System earned the State Librarian’s Award of Excellence in 2018.
Legislators of the Year
Recognized for their leadership in introducing and championing Michigan’s Freedom to Read Act, affirming every Michigander’s right to access information freely and without censorship.
Representative Carol Glanville 84th House District
Representative Veronica Paiz 10th House District
Intellectual Freedom Award
Hart Area Public Library
Awarded for courageous leadership in upholding intellectual freedom and the right to read. The library’s transparent, policy-driven process in the face of book challenges exemplified the highest professional standards.
State Librarian’s Awards
The State Librarian's Excellence Award and the Citation of Excellence Awards in honor of the late June Mendel, a former library director, are sponsored by the Mendel Family Fund, administered by the Library of Michigan Foundation.
The State Librarian’s Excellence Award program is in its 24th year. For more information about the award and previous recipients, please visit michigan.gov/MiStateLibrarian.
State Librarian’s Citation of Excellence Awards
Ecorse Public Library and Waldron District Library
Presented by the Library of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation, these awards honor libraries that exemplify outstanding public service, community engagement, and innovation.
State Librarian’s Excellence Award
Delta Township District Library
Presented by the Library of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation, this award honors libraries that demonstrate excellence in service, leadership, and community impact.
Save the date for the 2026 Michigan Library Awards
The 2026 Michigan Library Awards gala is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 during the MLA 2026 Annual Conference in Novi. Save the date and plan to join us for dinner and a show as we honor the accomplishments, dedication, and service that make Michigan’s libraries shine.
