Courtesy Photo Alpena County Library Assistant Director Jessica Luther holds up her Librarian of the Year award.

ALPENA — Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library Assistant Director Jessica Luther was named Librarian of the Year on Sept. 26 at the Upper Peninsula Region of Library Cooperation’s Annual Conference in Escanaba.

The award is bestowed annually upon a library staff member within the cooperative who has been determined to have gone above and beyond in service to the library community, the local community, and UPRLC.

Luther was nominated by her peer Library Director Jessica Holman at the Negaunee Public Library. Holman’s nomination letter highlighted Luther’s determination to help her library navigate through difficult book challenges and ultimately lead the library through a successful millage campaign over the summer.

The UPRLC Conference Awards Committee reviews nominations and makes the selection of the Librarian of the Year.

“I am unbelievably grateful for the support I have received from my library colleagues, my staff, and my board. This is completely unexpected,” Luther shared when receiving the award.

In addition to her role with the Alpena County Library, Luther serves on the UPRLC Conference Planning Committee, as chair of the Northeast Lower Peninsula Great Michigan Read Selection Committee, the Alpena Downtown Development Authority Promotions Committee, the United Way of Northeast Michigan Board of Directors, and the Thunder Bay Theatre Board of Directors. Luther stated that she is looking forward to the future of the Alpena County Library and focusing on serving the community.