Sterling Heights Library Director Tammy Turgeon was recently announced as the Michigan Library Association (MLA) Librarian of the Year for 2016. Turgeon will receive her award at the MLA 2016 Annual Conference Oct. 26 to 28 in Lansing.
Turgeon, who is also the director of the Suburban Library Cooperative, has worked for the City of Sterling Heights for nine years beginning in June 2007. She earner her Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University in 1994 and her B.A. in Elementary Education from University of Michigan in 1991.
“We are extremely proud of Tammy for being named Michigan’s Librarian of the Year,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “It’s hard working and dedicated professionals like Tammy that make our City such a wonderful place to live. The Sterling Heights Public Library is second-to-none, and we’re grateful to have Tammy at the helm.”
“This award is well-deserved for Tammy; it reflects not only her creativity, hard work and professionalism, but her outstanding leadership skills as well,” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool. “I am grateful for the work Tammy does for this City.”
Turgeon said the collaboration of staff, residents and volunteers helps the Sterling Heights Public Library continue to be such a wonderful place for the public to gather.
“I’m so proud of our staff for continuing to put residents first and delve into creative projects to keep our programming fresh,” Turgeon said. “In Sterling Heights, we are also lucky to have such a strong and engaged Friends of the Library group that is dedicated to making our library the best it can be. I’m grateful to be named Librarian of the Year, and I will continue to seek ways to encourage residents to visit our library so they can re-discover what wonderful resources we offer the community.”
According to the MLA, Turgeon is coordinating the Suburban Library Cooperative members’ expansion of the ConnectEd program started by the Clinton Macomb Public Library. This project would allow schoolchildren from 20 school districts in Macomb County, Troy and Harper Woods to access the area’s 21 public libraries’ electronic resources in the classroom, at home or on the go simply by using their school ID card.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact the Sterling Heights Community Relations Department at (586) 446-2470.