Michigan Library Awards - 2022 Honorees | Michigan Library Association

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The Michigan Library Association (MLA), the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME), the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA), the Library of Michigan, and the Library of Michigan Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Michigan Library Awards.

The Michigan Library Awards are awarded annually and are considered the state’s highest honors within the library community. These twelve awards celebrate the excellence, accomplishments, dedication and service of outstanding libraries, library staff, trustees and supporters in the Michigan library community.

The 2022 honorees were unveiled on Wednesday, October 19 during the Michigan Library Awards event in Port Huron at an evening of celebration. The recorded Michigan Library Awards program will be broadcast on MLA’s Facebook page on Thursday, November 3 at 7:00 PM. Each recipient was chosen through peer review for their outstanding achievements.

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Mitchell, Brown City Library in Brown City, MI, was awarded the 2022 Heart of a Champion. This award recognizes a library supporter who has shown an exceptional commitment to libraries.

Amanda Vorce from the Capital Area District Libraries was named the 2022 Rising Star. The Rising Star Award recognizes a librarian who shows leadership early in their career, expanding the role of librarians and moving libraries into the future.

Kelly Altman from the Presque Isle District Library received the 2022 Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth. This award recognizes a Michigan librarian for their outstanding contribution to the field of library service to youth.

Jeff Milo from the Ferndale Area District Library was named the Library Support Staff of the Year. This award recognizes a support staff professional who goes above and beyond at their library and has advanced and strengthened the image of support staff.

Monica Peck from the Boyne District Library was named the 2022 Public Librarian of the Year. This award recognizes an outstanding library professional that inspires people and provides innovative and exceptional library service to their community.

Rebecca Lowe from Scripps Middle School in Lake Orion, MI was named the School Librarian of the Year. This award celebrates and honors those who have championed school libraries through volunteerism, administrative support and advocacy.

The Academic Librarian of the Year was awarded to Jeremy Barney from the Hope College Library in Holland, MI. 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.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Amy Knepp from the Oscoda County District Library in Mio, Michigan. This award recognizes a deserving librarian for their distinguished service to the library profession over the course of their career.

LeRoy Public Library in Leroy, MI, and the Lake Odessa Community Library, in Lake Odessa received the State Librarian's Citations of Excellence. These 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.

State Senator Wayne Schmidt of the 37th District and State Senator Jim Stamas of the 36th District were awarded Legislative Lifetime Achievement Awards. The Legislative Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to elected officials in recognition of outstanding leadership in promoting libraries and supporting legislation or amendments that advance our legislative goals throughout their tenure in the legislature.

The State Librarian’s Excellence Award was awarded to Dearborn Public Library. 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.

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is Michigan's oldest and largest library association. For 130 years, MLA has led the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement. MLA's membership is comprised of individual and organizational members from public, academic, school, tribal and special libraries. For more information visit milibraries.org.

The Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) is the statewide association for Michigan school librarians and those interested in K-12 media center topics. MAME has been providing professional development and advocating at the state and national level to provide a voice and stronger presence for K-12 library professionals. For more information visit mimame.org.

The Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) is the professional association of academic library staff and libraries in Michigan. MiALA’s work entails providing professional development, serving as a catalyst for collaboration, and promoting the value and contribution of academic libraires. For more information visit miala.org.

The Library of Michigan was created by the Michigan Legislature to guarantee the people of this State and their government one perpetual institution to collect, preserve and provide access to the story of the State, and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors. For more information visit: michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/

The Library of Michigan Foundation was established in 1985 to support and enrich the capabilities, resources and services of the Library of Michigan. The Library of Michigan provides opportunities for charitable giving to support Library of Michigan programs, collections and services not provided through state or federal funding. For more information visit: libraryofmichiganfoundation.org/

View past award winners here.