HDL manager is Michigan Public Librarian of the Year

Around the Herrick District Library North Branch, Manager Rob Carpenter is known for his silly musical storytimes, his humor, his out-of-the-box ideas and his always positive attitude.

Now he is known at the branch and across the state as the Michigan Library Association’s Public Librarian of the Year.

"Rob is an outstanding leader and we are lucky to have him at the North Branch where he creates an atmosphere of welcome for both staff and patrons,” HDL Director Diane Kooiker says.

Courtesy HDLHerrick District Library North Branch Manager Rob Carpenter was named the 2024 Public Librarian of the Year by the Michigan Librarian Association.

Carpenter accepted the award at a ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Michigan Library Awards Gala in Traverse City.

The Michigan Library Awards are awarded annually and are considered the state’s highest honors within the library community. Hosted by the Michigan Library Association (MLA), the Library of Michigan, and the Library of Michigan Foundation and presented in partnership with the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) and the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL), the awards celebrate the excellence, accomplishments, dedication and service of outstanding libraries, library staff, trustees, and supporters in the Michigan library community. 

“Michigan libraries and their dedicated staff are transforming our communities in profound ways,” says MLA Executive Director Deborah E. Mikula. “The 2024 Michigan Library Awards celebrate the exceptional dedication, creativity, and drive of our librarians, supporters, and advocates. “Rob (Carpenter) exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration, inspiring his community and achieving remarkable personal and professional milestones. We are incredibly proud to recognize his outstanding contributions and creativity.” 

Leadership

Carpenter, who started working at HDL in 2017 and has been a manager for the past five years, is quick to point out the contributions of his colleagues.

“I have the great fortune of working with some amazing people who do a lot of amazing things for an amazing community,” Carpenter says. “I share this with my colleagues — past and present — and thank them for their hard work, their friendship, and their dedication to making our library a welcoming place.”

His co-workers, led by HDL librarian Lindsay Zrull, nominated Carpenter.

“It is rare to find a leader who makes leadership look so effortless, but that is what we found in Rob,” Zrull opened her nomination letter by saying. “There are many reasons Rob deserves recognition, but most notable are his creative programming and his positive managerial style.”

Courtesy HDLMichigan Library Association 2024 Public Librarian of the Year Rob Carpenter often brings his guitar to storytimes.

Story Project

Carpenter created and led the North Branch Story Project, a six-week program that brought together published authors and illustrators with elementary school children. The kids learned how to make their own books, copies of which were published by the library and are available for public checkout.

The project finished with a book signing party, where the young authors signed bound copies of their books for guests alongside award-winning author Ben Hatke. 
Zrull, herself author of popular young adult novel Goth Girl, Queen of the Universe, was one of the program’s guest speakers.

“This Story Project didn’t just cultivate curiosity and creativity — it built confidence,” Zrull says. “I was able to see firsthand how inviting kids to tell their own stories transformed them. Quiet kids came out of their shells. Siblings who picked on each other began to support each other’s creative journey. Kids who felt like they had nothing to say during the first weeks published books in their own words by the end of the program. … Every child left this program feeling capable of great things.”
Carpenter also volunteers for the NEA Big Read Lakeshore committee, heads up the HDL Seed Library, readers’ advisory committee, collaborates with outside organizations such as Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, artists, teachers and migrant programs.

Courtesy HDLHerrick District Library librarians Rob Carpenter and Adrienne Baker perform during a Holland Farmers Market storytime.

He also, of course, loves to read and is always ready with a book recommendation for anyone who asks — patron or staff.

His staff credit Carpenter with making the North Branch a fun place to work.

“Herrick District Library's North Branch is a special place, influenced heavily by Rob's congenial and playful personality, which is complemented and balanced by his sincere optimism for humanity,” North Branch librarian Adrienne Baker says. “He is naturally curious, and swiftly develops a rapport with patrons and staff, sprinkling personal anecdotes and witty references into conversations.”

Courtesy HDLMichigan Library Association 2024 Public Librarian of the Year Rob Carpenter.

Staff describe him as an innovator and talented collaborator who makes the library a welcoming place for everyone.

“To know Rob is to know what a library is. He is kind, compassionate, caring, devoted, passionate, friendly, and knowledgeable,” North Branch staffer Matt Inman says. “He always puts his patrons first and does whatever he can to make sure they are all taken care of.”