Recognize Your Favorite MCPL Employee!

Although MCPL’s physical locations are closed, Library staff are continuing to work hard behind the scenes to bring digital programming and materials to customers. Now is the perfect time to recognize your favorite MCPL employee by nominating them for the Maggie Jackson Community Spirit Award! This award is dedicated to the memory of Maggie Jackson, a longtime MCPL staff member at the Liberty Branch, who demonstrated a passion for her community through her work and whose spirit continues to inspire others.

The Maggie Jackson Community Spirit Award is one of three awards given annually at the MCPL Legacy Luncheon. At last year’s event, we honored Oak Grove Branch staff member Michelle Vitale, who received this glowing nomination by a teacher in the Oak Grove School District:

“I teach K-2 special education. Some of my students have Dyslexia, Autism, Vision Disorders, Speech and Language Impairments, and much more. Some of my students have already learned to hate reading because their bodies make reading so hard for them. Enter Michelle! At the beginning of the school year, I let Michelle know about my students and their needs.

“For example, I may have a student who is in second grade, but is reading at the level of a kindergarten student. Trying to find books that are interesting to them and don’t feel immature to them is a challenge, to say the least, but Michelle does it! She takes the time throughout each month to gather books for all of my students’ different needs. My students are so excited each month to see the new books on the shelf! My reading corner is one of the most popular spots in my classroom thanks to Michelle!

“But wait, that’s not all! I am teaching summer school this year for children who are going to kindergarten in the fall. I asked Michelle if she could gather some books for me to use. When she asked what kind of books I needed, I simply cut and pasted my daily topic plans and sent them to her. To my great surprise, when I walked in to pick up the books, there was more than an entire shelf of books organized and banded together by topic waiting for me! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Michelle is amazing!”

Has a Library staff member gone above and beyond to help serve you? Share that story by nominating them! We are excited to hear about all the ways our staff strive to provide exceptional customer service and help the Library shine! Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, April 30.

Danielle H.
MCPL Development Department