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State Librarian/State Librarian's Excellence Award
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Application Information
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 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 for 2025 nominations has passed. There will be no extensions. Submissions will be accepted online only.
Evaluation Factors
Include demonstrating that your library provides superior service to its customers and community through library programs and staff interactions with customers and the service community.
Nomination Submission
Library directors, trustees, library users, administrators, or parent agency representatives may make nominations.
*Note: Nominations entered should be for the library, not for the library director.
Nominations may be submitted via the online application, linked below. You will need to create a username and password to access and complete the application. If you have previously created an account when applying for a grant from the Library of Michigan, you may use that same username and password.
Submit an Application
The application period for the 2025 State Librarian's Excellence Award is now closed. Award recipients were notified in September. We look forward to sharing this award celebration with you at the Michigan Library Association Annual Conference in October.
Submit an Application
https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/346894f2-cf1f-4842-aa68-1e3b7d49f11f
Return to a Saved or Submitted Application
https://bbgmapply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/applications
Nominations must be supported by at least three letters of recommendation from the Library's constituency (patrons/customers, members of governing bodies, community organizations or groups, others you feel are relevant).
Selection panel representatives include the State Librarian and representatives from the Library of Michigan, an academic library, a public library, a school library, and a special library.
The award recipients will be recognized by the State Librarian at the Michigan Library Association Annual Conference awards event on Wednesday, October 29 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan.
Contact Person
Lori Poznanski-Mason, Administrative Assistant to the State Librarian
Library of Michigan
Email: Poznanskil@Michigan.gov
Phone: 517-335-1518
Past State Librarian's Excellence Award Recipients
2025 - Delta Township District Library
2024 - Kinross Correctional Facility Library
2023 - Fremont Area District Library
2022 - Dearborn Public Library
2021 - Bellaire Public Library
2020 - No award due to COVID19 pandemic
2019 - Capital Area District Libraries
2018 - Bay County Library System
2017 - East Lansing Public Library
2016 - Benzonia Public Library
2015 - Niles District Library
2014 - Grand Valley State University Library
2013 - Litchfield District Library
2012 - Parker Middle School Library
2011 - Novi Public Library
2010 - Adrian Public Library
2009 - Stair Public Library
2008 - Marshall District Library
2007 - Rawson Memorial District Library
2006 - Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled
2005 - Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
2004 - Portage District Library
2003 - Otsego County Library
2003 - Genesee District Library
2001 - Houghton Lake Public Library
Updated: 10/20/2025