Marian Rafal Named 2017 Frances H. Pletz Award Winner

Marian was honored at the Spring Institute 2017 Conference on March 31 at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Marian has served as Head of Youth Services at the Bloomfield Township Library for over 35 years. Marian's numerous contributions to the library community, including creating innovative programming and collections, dedication to service, exemplary leadership and consistent encouragement and support to the librarians around her, have distinguished her in her field

"Marian Rafal's career epitomizes that of Youth Services Librarian who is a champion of both the profession and her colleagues. Her contributions to her community, her profession, and the library community are no less than striking." Jolee Hamlin, 2016-2017 MLA Award's work group Chair.

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.

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