Library director award celebrated at reception

A reception is being planned to celebrate the Librarian of the Year award from the Michigan Library Association recently received by Baldwin Public Library Director Rebekah Craft.

Members of the public are invited to celebrate with Craft at an open reception on Monday, November 17 from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. in the Rotary Donor Room on the lower level of the library.

Craft has been the director of the Baldwin Public Library since January 2021 and prior to that time had been the associate director since July 2015. She had previously been with the Rochester Hills Public Library.

Craft was nominated for the annual award for her work this past year securing agreement with Birmingham officials that the Baldwin Public Library was independent of the city, an issue that had been unresolved prior to now. Library board member Wendy Friedman, with support from staff at the library, made the nomination.

The nomination for Craft’s award noted that “Rebekah considered the legalities of Baldwin Public Library's formation and boldly advocated that public libraries remain free from political or financial coercion. Her leadership during this critical moment was marked by clarity, resolve, and deep ethical commitment. She demonstrated what it means to lead both competently and courageously.”

Craft was further recognized for her continued push for a policy of inclusion at the Baldwin Public Library.

The Baldwin Public Library is located in downtown Birmingham at 300 W. Merrill Street.