FRANCES H. PLETZ AWARD

The Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth is given annually to a Michigan library staff person who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of library service to youth, ages 0-18, throughout their career. The award is named for Frances H. Pletz, a former Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, because of her exemplary library service to teens in our state. This award was established in 1978 by the Young Adult Division of the Michigan Library Association and was given to a teen librarian. In 2010, the Pletz Award combined with the Children’s Services Award of Merit to create the Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth.

Cathy Chesher Named 2019 Frances H. Pletz Award Winner

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce Cathy Chesher is the winner of the 2019 Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth. Chesher was honored at the 2019 Spring Institute Conference on March 29, 2019 in Bay City.

Chesher has served as a Youth Services Librarian at Adrian District Library for more than 20 years. Prior to her work at Adrian Library, she worked in Ohio serving children. Colleagues and patrons have described her as innovative, intelligent, cutting-edge, generous and caring.

"Throughout her career, Cathy Chesher has made an outstanding contribution to the field of library service to youth in Lenawee County," said Cassie Veselovsky, member of the Frances H. Pletz Award subcommittee. "The passion for her community and its members is evident in how she researches and obtains grants to support library-community endeavors, leads volunteers in taking on active roles in the library and tirelessly provides a variety of youth programming."

"She exemplifies the role of a community youth librarian and clearly demonstrates the ability to excel at adapting and molding the changing library environment. She is truly deserving of this honor," said Gail Madziar, retired MLA Executive Director.

Past Frances H. Pletz Award Winners

2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018