4 Novi School Libraries Achieve Exemplary Status

State Senator Mike Kowall and Director of District Affairs Lynn O'Brien, 15th district, honored four Novi school librarians and their libraries at Thursday's school board meeting. 

"I love my job so I'm excited to be getting honored for doing my job," said Bethany Bratney, librarian at Novi High School, at the reception before the meeting.

The library media centers achieved exemplary status in the Library of Michigan's School Library 21: Measurement Criteria for Michigan School Libraries for 21st Century Schools program. The program recognizes and commends performance by K-12 libraries. The librarians received special recognition for leading their libraries' efforts in achieving that status. See photos and learn more about them by clicking their names below.

Bethany Bratney - Novi High School
Kim Wesner - Novi Middle School
Kim Clark - Novi Meadows Elementary School
Janis Canady - Deerfield Elementary School 

Kowall said school libraries are often called media centers because they now offer much more than books. 

"They need fantastic professionals to do that," he said about maintaining the libraries and commended the librarians for their hard work. 

Benchmarks for achieving exemplary status include creating a safe environment in the library, accommodating all learners and providing age appropriate materials and programs that invite discovery.