Alumni receive top honors from Michigan Library Association
Five Wayne State School of Information Sciences alumni were recognized at the Michigan Library Awards ceremony held virtually on October 13.
The annual awards are considered the state’s highest honors within the library community and are presented by the state’s leading library advocacy and service organizations - the Michigan Library Association (MLA), the Library of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME), and the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA). Recipients are chosen through peer review for their outstanding achievements within each category.
This year’s event was hosted by SIS alumnus Kevin King, the 2020 MLA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Congratulations to this year's recipients!
School Librarian of the Year Award
Gwenn Marchesano, MLIS 2005
School Librarian, Pioneer Middle School
Adjunct Faculty Member, WSU School of Information Sciences
This award celebrates and honors those who have championed school libraries through volunteerism, administrative support and advocacy.
Rising Star Award
Marissa Boisclair, MLIS 2020
Children’s Librarian, Genesee District Library
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.
Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth
Sara Magnuson, MLIS 2014
Branch Outreach and Program Specialist, Kent District Library
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.
State Librarian’s Excellence Award
Bellaire Public Library
Cindi Place, MLIS 2020, director
The State Librarian’s Excellence Award highlights the importance of Michigan libraries’ services and recognizes an exemplary library for their 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.
State Librarian’s Citation of Excellence
Auburn Hills Public Library
Lawrence Marble, MLIS 2001, director
The Citation of Excellence is awarded by the Library of Michigan Foundation and the Library of Michigan each year to highlight the importance of Michigan libraries’ services.
For more information about the 2021 Michigan Library Association awards and to view the virtual event, visit milibraries.org/michigan-library-awards.