Every public library in Minnesota benefits from state funds earmarked for interlibrary loan service (ILL), online database access, and special programming featuring authors and educators. These are just three of a dozen ways in which state dollars impact local library service. Crucial services like these are easy to take for granted, but we do so at our own peril.

Last year, Michelle Saffel concluded a long tenure as office manager at Lake Community Church in Alexandria. However, as is so often the case with exemplary volunteers, “retirement” would be a bit of a misnomer. Between beloved hobbies (quilting, pickleball and gardening) she remains as active in library and community causes as ever – and in fact, probably more so.

Libraries are institutions, but they are made great by individuals. In that spirit, United for Libraries (the Friends and trustees arm of the American Library Association) has opened a call for two special prizes intended to spotlight individuals who have truly gone above and beyond in service to their libraries.