North Branch Librarian Wins Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth

Clinton-Macomb Public Library youth services librarian Lisa Mulvenna was recently awarded the Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth from the Michigan Library Association.

The award 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. She received the award as part of the organization’s Spring Institute.

Mulvenna has been with the CMPL since 2001. She has been an active youth services librarian, focusing on literacy and collection development for children since arriving at CMPL. She is known for her Music and Movement program and has generated other innovative ideas such as Play to Learn early literacy program for children ages 2 to 4 years old.

Along with generating new and unique program ideas, Mulvenna has also been a catalyst for starting new services such as the library’s videogame collections and summer reading program for library staff. She has written and won grants to supplement the library’s collection and has participated in several staff committees.

“This is a very prestigious award with a long history in MLA and we we’re very proud of Lisa for this major career accomplishment,” said Library Director Larry Neal. “Not only does she bring a great deal of talent to her everyday work at the , she is also actively engaged in professional association activities.”

Mulvenna is an active member of the Michigan Library Association. She initiated the Youth Community of Practice, served on several award restructuring task forces, co-chaired the Pletz Award Work Group and has presented numerous times are MLA.

Upon receiving the award Mulvenna said, “This award is truly an honor because there are so many outstanding librarians, both on staff at CMPL and throughout the state.”