Wisconsin Library Association Names Librarian of the Year
The state organization honored Mindy King for her leadership during a major library renovation project at UW-Stevens Point.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Books
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The Wisconsin Library Association has named Mindy King, Director of Libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, as Librarian of the Year. The honor recognizes her pivotal role in overseeing a massive collection relocation and the successful opening of a new campus resource center.
Why it matters
The award highlights the essential role of library leadership in managing large-scale facility transitions and improving student access to resources. King successfully led the complex move of hundreds of thousands of volumes while spearheading the development of a modern, expanded campus hub.
King successfully oversaw the relocation of 500,000 library volumes to a temporary facility before the new 151,274-square-foot library opened. More than 1,600 people toured the building on its opening day.
The players
Mindy King
She serves as the Director of Libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Wisconsin Library Association
This professional organization supports libraries across the state and presents annual awards for excellence.
The details
King coordinated faculty, students, and athletes to assist with the immense task of moving the library collection to ensure continuity. She also implemented student-focused improvements, such as purchasing multiuser e-books to grant free access to required course materials.
Timeline
April 2026: The Gale and Paul Kirby Library opened.
October 22, 2026: Mindy King received the Librarian of the Year award.
Industry Dynamics
Modern academic libraries are increasingly shifting from book-centric storage facilities to multipurpose student resource hubs. King's work aligns with this broader national trend of prioritizing student-centered access and community collaboration in higher education.
Students at UW-Stevens Point now benefit from expanded study space and enhanced access to course readings through multiuser e-books. These changes simplify how students obtain required academic materials, directly reducing out-of-pocket costs for learning resources.
The takeaway
Effective library management involves more than just books; it requires mobilizing community stakeholders and adapting to changing academic needs. Leaders who successfully integrate physical and digital resources often provide the greatest benefit to their user populations.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's literary community and news on the Wisconsin Books page.
More information
View official details regarding the organization and its recognition programs on the Wisconsin Library Association information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
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