In my book, the Niles District Library embodies excellence.

It should not come as a great surprise that the leader of a community newspaper would consider an institution like the public library as absolutely fundamental to the strength of a community. With that said, our area is a better place to live and raise a family thanks to the efforts of the Niles District Library.

The organization has been nominated for the Library of Michigan Foundation’s State Librarian’s Excellence Award. Although we appreciate all the great work done by the libraries here in Cass and Berrien county, I do not think you will find a more worthy recipient within the state of Michigan or beyond.

The criteria for winning this honor is that the library demonstrate it provides superior service to its customers and community: in a cost effective manner, with a can-do attitude, by always delivering on promises and by providing specific examples of relevant and superior library service from last year.

Judges also want to see tangible examples of the library’s commitment to high standards of customer service through staff dealings with customers and the community with the emphasis on a coordinated approach to supporting customers.

These areas of emphasis fit the Niles District Library perfectly.

However, do not just take my word for it.

The proof can be found on the faces of the hundreds of children who participate in the programs each week. It is evident in the countless adults to take advantage of the myriad of resources. It is even apparent in the attitudes and demeanor of the employees who always seem to go above and beyond.

I could list all the literacy and engagement programs the library offers or the countless ways the library partners with other organizations to make a difference in people’s lives, but I simply do not have the space.

What this library does for our community is, in all honesty, immeasurable.

I can say firsthand from serving with director Nancy Studebaker in several community organizations that she and her staff are not motivated by awards or honors. But it sure would be a much-deserved validation for all the men and women who work hard to move the organization forward and an excellent recognition for all the patrons who have tremendous pride in their library.

In today’s culture of budget cuts and belt-tightening, when programs have to be eliminated or reduced, the Niles District Library continues to find creative ways to better serve the thousands who visit it regularly.

That reads like the definition of excellence to me.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.