GRPL Librarian Jessica Anne Bratt Receives Prestigious “Mover and Shaker” Award from Library Journal Jessica Anne Bratt of the Grand Rapids Public Library has been named a “Mover and Shaker” in the library industry by the national publication Library Journal. In its March issue, Library Journal named 54 outstanding professionals committed to providing excellent service and shaping the future of libraries. Jessica Anne Bratt was selected because of her commitment to the profession and her work in creating DigiBridge, a partnership between the Grand Rapids Public Library and the Grand Rapids Public Schools. DigiBridge connects students and educators to the library's online resources and technology. The goal is to bridge the technology gap that students face by providing them with eReaders, a technology camp, database training, and digital library cards. In 2014, DigiBridge was awarded the Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Leading Learning. In 2015, the project was honored with the Upstart Innovation Award. Bratt currently serves the Grand Rapids Public Library as a Youth Librarian. She has presented nationally on collaborations between schools and libraries, engaging teens in literacy through technology, and reader’s advisory gap for tweens and young adults. Library Journal honored Bratt not only because of the impact of DigiBridge, but also because of her dedication to educate the library community about public school/public library partnerships. See all the 2016 winners at www.libraryjournal.com/movers2016. -- Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.
