Communications Department

814 West River Center Dr. NE, Comstock Park, MI  49321-8955

Heidi Nagel • KDL Communications Manager • 616-647-4146

For Immediate Release
March 15, 2016

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY DIRECTOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS “MOVER AND SHAKER” AWARD FROM LIBRARY JOURNAL

Kent County, MI — Lance Werner, Director of Kent District Library, has been named a “Mover and Shaker” in the library industry by the national publication, Library Journal.

In its March 15, 2016 issue, Library Journal named 54 outstanding professionals committed to providing excellent service and shaping the future of libraries. Werner was selected in the category Change Agents because of his commitment to the profession and push to further the modern conveniences libraries can offer their patrons.

Library Journal honored Werner because of his ability to garner unlikely support for big ideas and his success in bridging the digital divide. Under Werner’s direction, KDL has developed the most robust standalone eBook collection in the states (88,891 eBooks and e Audiobooks) and became the first public library in Michigan to offer eMagazines, eMovies and eComics.

“This year’s class of 54 joins a group of talented professionals who are committed, passionate and invigorated—each alone and all together transforming the library world and the communities it impacts for the better,” said Rebecca T. Miller, Editorial Director of Library Journal and School Library Journal.

Werner has been Director of Kent District Library since May 2011. He previously served as Director of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing, MI and as a Library Law Specialist at the Library of Michigan. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, a J.D. from Michigan State University and an M.L.I.S. from Wayne State University. 

The 2016 Movers & Shakers were selected by the editors of Library Journal, the profession’s leading trade magazine. Each of the Movers & Shakers will be prominently featured in the March 15^th issue of Library Journal and celebrated at a special reception in June during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Orlando, FL. The print feature’s companion website is sponsored by OCLC and available at www.libraryjournal.com/movers2016.

ABOUT KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY
Kent District Library is a public library system operating 18 branch libraries. KDL serves nearly 400,000 residents of 27 governmental units, comprising most of Kent County, Michigan. KDL is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by millage dollars and private donations.

ABOUT LIBRARY JOURNAL
Founded in 1876, Library Journal is one of the oldest and most respected publications covering the library field. Over 75,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries read LJ. Library Journal reviews over 8000 books, audiobooks, videos, databases, and web sites annually, and provides coverage of technology, management, policy, and other professional concerns. For more information, visit www.libraryjournal.com. Library Journal is a publication of Media Source Inc., which also owns School Library Journal, The Horn Book publications, and Junior Library Guild.

####

Heidi Nagel

Manager of Communications & Programming

Kent District Library

814 West River Center Dr NE

Comstock Park, MI 49321

616-647-4146, 616-490-9399 (cell)

hnagel@kdl.org