NEW IN 2023!! 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. Review the criteria and guidelines: Intellectual Freedom Award (pdf) 

The Library Support Staff of the Year Award honors an exceptional library assistant or support staff member who goes above and beyond to provide support at their library and who has advanced and strengthened the image of support staff. Review the criteria and guidelines: Support Staff of the Year Award (pdf) 

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. Review the criteria and guidelines: Rising Star Award (pdf) 

The Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth 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. Review the criteria and guidelines: Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth (pdf)

The Heart of a Champion 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. Review the criteria and guidelines: Heart of a Champion Award (pdf) 

The Public Librarian of the Year Award recognizes outstanding library professionals that 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. Review the criteria and guidelines: Public Librarian of the Year Award (pdf) 

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a deserving librarian for their distinguished service to the library profession over the course of their career. Throughout their career, they have sustained a strong and consistent body of work, demonstrated leadership in their community and in 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. Review the criteria and guidelines: Lifetime Achievement Award (pdf)