July 22, 2005

The Library of Michigan Foundation today announced it is now accepting nominations for the 2005 State Librarian's Excellence Award, which recognizes exemplary public service.  This prestigious honor, which gives $5,000 in privately raised funds to one Michigan library annually, will be presented Oct. 27 at the state librarian's luncheon during the Michigan Library Association annual conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

All types of libraries (e.g., public, academic and school) throughout Michigan are eligible to receive the State Librarian's Excellence Award.  In addition to the award, the Library of Michigan Foundation will also present certificates of excellence to two other nominees.  The nomination deadline is Sept. 9, 2005.

"Libraries are the heart of so many communities.  How many other places provide free to their patrons a place where imaginations are fed, educations are enhanced, and access to information is virtually limitless?" said Acting State Librarian Nancy Robertson.  "This award, while honoring a single library, is really about paying tribute and drawing attention to the phenomenal contributions to community made by all Michigan libraries, every single day.

"I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about the value of his or her library to submit a nomination," said Robertson.  "Library directors, library patrons, members of local government, service organizations; if you think your library is the best in the state, we want to hear from you."

Southfield-based Hantz Group will, for the second year in a row, sponsor the State Librarian's Excellence Award.

"Hantz Group is once again proud to partner with the Library of Michigan to recognize the exemplary public service provided by the recipient of the State Librarian's Excellence Award," said CEO and president, John Hantz.  "We are pleased to acknowledge the innovative work of libraries and support their efforts to boost literacy and provide the best access to information."

Criteria for the State Librarian's Excellence Award include:  demonstrating that the library provides new, innovative and superior services to its customers in a cost-effective manner, with a can-do attitude and by always delivering promises; demonstrating the library's commitment to high standards of customer service through staff dealings with customers and synergy within the staff through a coordinated approach to supporting customers; and demonstrating that the library is a team player through its collaborations in the community.

The full nomination packet - including nomination form and submission guidelines - is available on the Web at www.michigan.gov/lmfoundation or by calling the Library of Michigan Foundation office at (517) 373-1297.  Entries must be postmarked by Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, and should be sent to:

Library of Michigan Foundation

P.O. Box 30159

702 W. Kalamazoo St.

Lansing, MI 48909

This year's selections will be determined by a committee including the acting state librarian; a Michigan library co-operative director; and one representative each from the Michigan Academics Library Council, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Center for the Book, and the public library community.
 

Hantz Group, Inc., based in Southfield, Mich., is a full-service financial holding company founded in January 1998.  For more information, visit www.hantzgroup.com.

The Library of Michigan Foundation, established in 1985, raises funds to support special programs, services and collections of the Library of Michigan.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/lmfoundation.

The Library of Michigan - Michigan's official state library agency for more than 175 years - is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.