A state senator has been recognized for his work to help public libraries maintain their place in society.
Republican Senator Jim Stamas received the Legislator of the Year Award for his efforts in promoting libraries.
Gail Madziar is the executive director of the Michigan Library Association, who gave the award. She said Stama, who lives in Midland has worked on a number of initiatives to keep library doors open.
“Senator Stamas has worked for an increase to state aid to libraries which many libraries depend upon for their budgets each year, and especially the smaller more rural libraries really depend heavily on that state aid for their budget and their collections and being able to remain open and serve their communities.”
Madziar said the award has been given annually for the last four years.
“The Michigan Library Association and the libraries across the state appreciate the work that our legislators do and especially Senator Stamas on behalf of the library and I think sometimes we don’t take time to say thank you to the folks in Lansing who do a good job for us.”
Madziar said this is the second time Senator Stamas has been recognized as the MLA’s Legislator of the Year.