Petoskey librarian Nisa Kesseler recognized for Excellence in Service to Youth
PETOSKEY — Nisa Kesseler, teen services librarian at the Petoskey District Library, was recently presented with the Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth during the Michigan Library Association’s annual awards ceremony.
The annual Pletz Award recognizes a Michigan library staff person who has shown outstanding contributions throughout their career to the field of library service for youth ages 0-18. Kesseler was nominated by Megan Goedge, children's librarian and youth services department head at the Petoskey District Library (PDL). The two have been working together since 2016.
In her nomination letter, Goedge lauded Kesseler for her efforts in developing teen programs, her outreach at local schools, her collaboration with teachers, and for her focus on creating a dedicated teen space in the library.
“Possibly most importantly, she makes all of the teens feel welcome and valued in the library, especially marginalized teens," Goedge wrote. "The teen area has blossomed into something beautiful as a safe space for teens all because of Nisa’s giant heart and immense understanding of and rapport with that age group.”
Accompanying Goedge’s nomination letter were letters of support from Petoskey High School teachers Samantha Fettig and Lynne Lesky, as well as teen assistant librarian Nikki Russell and library director Val Meyerson.
“Nisa has proven to be exemplary in creating enriching and fun activities tailored for teenagers, from interactive films and trivia nights to 'Life Hacks' workshops on voting, time management and healthy eating,” Meyerson wrote in her letter of support. “Nisa’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity is commendable. By developing programs that embrace diversity and encourage dialogue on important social issues, Nisa has created an environment where all teens feel welcome and valued. Her emphasis on promoting tolerance, empathy and understanding through her Teen Advisory Board is crucial in shaping the lives of some of our kids.”
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Both Goedge and Meyerson attended the MLA event with Kesseler. Goedge introduced and presented her coworker and friend with the award.
“I’m excited that this person gets to be honored with this award,” said Goedge. “She understands that teens matter, that libraries matter and that teens when in libraries matter. I’m proud to say that we’re on a team together.”
Though Kesseler learned she had earned the award several weeks ago, she still expressed feeling overwhelmed by the recognition when presented with the trophy on stage.
“I could hardly believe it when I got the email. I was gobsmacked,” Kesseler said.
After acknowledging and thanking Goedge, Meyerson, her library coworkers and her family for their support over the years, Kesseler ended her speech by commenting on what motivates her.
“Finally, I want to say something about teens,” Kesseler said. “I had a person ask me 'Why do you work with teens?' and the simple answer is, I like them. I really like teenagers. They are fun. They are wild. They are all over the place emotionally. And I love being there with them every single day. I love hearing their stories. I love it when they come to study. I even love the one that comes with a skateboard and tries to get away with that in the library, which he doesn’t get away with. So just want to say, I love the teens and they’re why I do this and I’m so grateful for this award.”
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey librarian Nisa Kesseler recognized for service to youth
