Christine Beachler awarded the 2023 District Library Director of the Year Award
2023 MASL District Library Director of the Year winner, Christine Beachler. Photo courtesy of Melissa Kempski
The Michigan Association of School Librarians,(MASL), has announced that the 2023 District Library Director of the Year Award was presented to Christine Beachler on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Beachler, the Library Media Director for Lowell Area Schools, was formally recognized at the President’s Award Gala during the annual MASL state conference, which was held at the Kensington Hotel in Ann Arbor.
The MASL District Library Director of the Year Award recognizes a school district library media director who provides exemplary leadership and direction to an overall Beachler’s nominator and MASL member, Harry Coffill, stated that Beachler is, “a tireless champion for Lowell school libraries.” In her role as Library Media Director in Lowell, Christine oversees six district libraries and eight library assistants. She works closely with her colleagues to ensure that curricular and personal needs of readers are met. She serves on multiple committees and boards across the district and also works as an advocate and representative for West Michigan School Libraries. She serves in multiple leadership roles within MASL and is the President-Elect for 2024. Additionally, through the last few years, Beachler has been a prominent voice for First Amendment Rights and the Freedom to Read, having faced a number of book challenges and personal attacks from community members. The conclusion of Coffill’s nomination summed Beachler’s value perfectly. “Christine’s dedication, advocacy, service, and mentorship show immense dedication to their craft, colleagues, community, students and the Freedom to Read. She is innately qualified to be the District Library Director of the Year.”
MASL is a professional organization that has a membership of approximately 400 School Librarians and educators representing hundreds of Michigan school districts, universities and educational programs across Michigan.
