Bayliss Public Library of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the Van Wylen Library of Hope College in Holland, Michigan, each received a Library of Michigan Foundation Citation of Excellence, including a $500 prize and a trophy.

The State Librarian's Excellence Award is sponsored by the Roger and June Mendel Fund of the Library of Michigan Foundation. Gifts from Martin L. Gibbs and Carole Sorenson and from Elaine M. Logan supported the citations of excellence.

"Each year, Michigan's libraries have persevered and continue to serve their patrons and their communities with vigor and with vision, even with dwindling funding and staffing reductions," Robertson said. "The 2011 award nominations demonstrate that this year is no exception. Michigan's libraries of all types focus on what their unique communities need and, in continuing to meet those evolving needs, are essential to the fabric of Michigan's communities and success."

Julie Farkas, Director of Novi Public Library said, "It is both an honor and privilege to receive the State Librarian's Excellence Award. Our library works hard every day to be a destination place and information gateway for its community. Being honored with this award validates that the services, resources and programs we are providing is making a positive impact on our great community."

Larry Kilgore, Novi Library Board President said, "The Library of the Year Award is very exciting for the Novi community! This award is the result of a combination of great leadership over the past eight years on the part of City Council, the Library Board and the Library Administration, plus an ongoing commitment to service excellence by everyone at the Library."