The application period for the 2026 State Librarian's Excellence Award is now open.

The Library of Michigan Foundation's State Librarian's Excellence Award will be awarded to a library of any type (public, academic, school, special, tribal, etc.), including branch libraries, that exemplifies excellence in customer service. One (1) library in the state of Michigan will receive this prestigious award each year. The recipient library will receive a $3,000 cash prize and a trophy for display in its public area. Two (2) Library of Michigan Foundation Citations of Excellence will be presented and the recipient libraries will each receive $1,000 and a small trophy for display.

Deadline
The deadline to apply is Friday, August 28, 2026. There will be no extensions. Submissions will be accepted online only. Award recipients will be notified in September.

Application details and additional information and critera can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/about/state-librarian/slea
The award recipients will be recognized by the State Librarian at the Michigan Library Association Annual Conference awards event on Wednesday, October 28 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

Contact Person
Lori Poznanski-Mason, Administrative Assistant to the State Librarian
Library of Michigan
Email: Poznanskil@Michigan.gov
Phone: 517-335-1518

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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