Lance Werner named 2017 MLA Librarian of the Year
The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce Lance Werner has been named 2017 MLA Librarian of the Year. Werner, director of Kent District Library (KDL) will receive the award during the MLA 2017 Annual Conference, October 18, in Lansing.
Werner has been serving the west Michigan community since 2011 and is a graduate of Wayne State University and the Michigan State University College of Law.
As part of an ongoing effort to increase student reading skills, KDL initiated its Play Grow Read program which has the library building collaborations among the Literacy Center of West Michigan the Kent Intermediate School District and Steelcase Corporation. This public private partnership is just one way KDL is looking for ways to benefit Michigan’s next generation. Lance is a staunch advocate for statewide library funding working with MLA and legislators to protect the library’s right to disseminate information to communities and ensure tax dollars are spent according to the voter’s choice. His tireless work on legislative issues including our tax capture success is unmatched. His efforts were critical to the successful passage of that package of bills.
“Lance believes in working for the success of all libraries. He understands how patrons around the state and across the country are impacted by their local library,” said Gail Madziar, MLA executive director. “He is leader in bringing innovative library services to his community and sets an example for other libraries to follow.”
For more than 30 years, the MLA Librarian of the Year Award has recognized a librarian’s outstanding contributions and accomplishments to the library community. Winners of this award provide innovative library service to his or her community and promote collaboration among libraries. The MLA Librarian of the Year shows evidence of personal and professional achievement as well as initiative and creativity. They are leaders who provide cutting edge ideas that inspire people.