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Brighton District Library Earns 2026 State Librarian's Excellence Award
October 27, 2026
LANSING – Brighton District Library is the recipient of the 2026 State Librarian’s Excellence Award for superior customer service, the Library of Michigan announced today.
“Michigan libraries do such a great job listening and responding to their communities’ needs.” said State Librarian David Votta. “I am grateful the committee had such a hard time making decisions because of the excellent candidate pool. All the libraries are making real impacts in their communities.”
Votta will officially present the annual award, which includes $3,000 in privately donated funds, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Michigan Library Association Awards event during the annual conference in Novi.
“Libraries are a beacon of light and an important gateway to learning,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “Our libraries are valued partners as we prioritize improving student literacy. The Michigan Department of Education and Library of Michigan recognize the service that libraries provide to state residents. Congratulations, Brighton District Library.”
Cindy Mack, Brighton District Library director, said she is “incredibly honored” to receive the State Librarian's Excellence Award.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity and passion of our library staff and Board of Trustees, as well as our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional library services and meaningful opportunities for our community,” Mack said. “I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the community we have the privilege of serving.”
State Librarian's Excellence Award evaluation factors include demonstrating that the library provides superior service to its customers and community through library programs and staff interactions with customers and the service community.
The selection committee is comprised of representatives from public, school, academic and special libraries. The committee focused on libraries providing outstanding customer service and programming that connected with their communities.
The Library of Michigan Foundation and Library of Michigan bestow the State Librarian's Excellence Award and Citations of Excellence Award yearly to highlight the importance of Michigan libraries’ services.
This year’s Citations of Excellence co-winners, for their exceptional customer service, are Ferndale Area District Library and Sebewaing Township Library. Each of those libraries will receive $1,000 with this honor.
The State Librarian's Excellence Award as well as the Citation of Excellence Awards, in honor of June Mendel, are sponsored by The Mendel Family Fund administered by the Library of Michigan Foundation.
The State Librarian’s Excellence Award program is in its 25th year. For more information about the award and previous recipients, visit the State Librarian website and scroll down or go to the State Librarian's Excellence Award webpage.
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The Library of Michigan is an agency within the Michigan Department of Education and is dedicated to providing the people of this state and their government one perpetual institution to collect, preserve and provide access to the story of the State, and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors. To learn more, visit the Library of Michigan website.
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