The Michigan Library Association is pleased to announce Donna Adams has been named the 2019 Heart of a Champion, sponsored by the Walter H. Kaiser Fund. Adams received the award during the MLA 2019 Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Novi. As Board President for the Forsyth Township Public Library in Gwinn, Adams has worked tirelessly to promote the library. From cooking for a fundraiser, publishing a cookbook, creating and building cabinetry, finding free shelving from a university across the state and coordinating volunteers to pick up, transport, deliver and assemble the shelving, to organizing a library millage campaign that was instrumental to funding a new library building, Adams leads the way with grace and a humble spirit. “Donna Adams is a driving force in the Forsyth Township community. From advocating for and finding funding to build a brand-new building to working on the library board, Donna leads the way,” said Lisa Mulvenna, member of the MLA 2019 Annual Conference Work Group and Awards Subcommittee. “She is constantly sharing both her time and talents with her library community.” The Heart of a Champion Award recognizes a library supporter who has shown an exceptional commitment to libraries and/or the library profession. Award recipients show their support through continued advocacy, supporting or providing funding for the local library, and continued support of Michigan Library Association activities. Pictured from left: MLA 2019 Award Honorees: Legislator of the Year Sen. Paul Wojno, Rising Star Danielle DiAmico, Heart of a Champion Donna Adams, Librarian of the Year Cathleen Russ. In photo 2: MLA President Kristin Shelley, MLA 2019 Award Honorees: Legislator of the Year Sen. Paul Wojno, Rising Star Danielle DiAmico, Heart of a Champion Donna Adams, Librarian of the Year Cathleen Russ, MLA Executive Director Deborah E. Mikula.