The U.P. Regional Library Cooperation (UPRLC) annual awards hold special significance because they celebrate and recognize excellence in library service across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a geographically large but sparsely populated region where cooperation among libraries is essential. Among the key points of their importance are Recognition of Service & Innovation, Strengthening Regional Identity, and Community Impact (which includes cultural preservation in the Upper Peninsula)
In short, the UPRLC annual awards are more than just internal recognition—they are a vital way of sustaining morale, strengthening networks, and demonstrating the essential role of libraries in the cultural and educational fabric of the U.P. The most esteemed honor is Librarian of the Year, which was awarded to Evelyn Gathu, Director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library, during the UPRLC annual conference in Iron Mountain on September 18, 2025
Evelyn Gathu has been involved with the creation of the U.P. Notable Books List / Book Club since day one. In fact, the whole Book Club concept was Evelyn’s own idea. In Fall 2020, in the midst of the worst pandemic in a century, Evelyn proposed the idea of bringing the authors listed in UPPAA’s first-ever U.P. Notable Books List into Zoom conversations with readers across the U.P.
Now, in its sixth year, not only has this collaboration created an online community of readers of U.P. literature but have also preserved an important cultural legacy for generations to come. More than fifty of these author discussions have since been professionally edited and preserved on YouTube by Brandy Thomas (Gwinn, MI) for readers around the globe to access on https://video.uppaa.org . Evelyn is the host for all six seasons of the show and has deftly helped readers connect with the authors.
Sue Harrison (Pickford, MI), one of the U.P.’s best-known authors, had this to say about Evelyn’s leadership:
“As a result of Gathu’s work, the significance of the U.P. Notable Book Award has increased, as has the readership of Notable Books. The success of the book club is largely due to Evelyn Gathu’s creative genius. As a result, the presence and importance of Upper Peninsula Literature have blossomed in Michigan’s reading community.”
U.P. Notable honoree Nikki Mitchell (Ishpeming, MI) talks about how Gathu goes the extra mile to knit communities together:
“Bridging the gap between U.P. authors and readers has always been something that Evelyn excels at, and something I wish more libraries in our area would do. In addition to the UP Notable Book Club, she works tirelessly to bring U.P. authors to the Crystal Falls Library. The Authorpalooza event is always a smashing success and not only helps local authors with book sales, but stems great conversations between the authors, readers, and even budding writers.”
In addition to publicity for the U.P. Notable Books List / Book Club, she also manages the talent—contacting and scheduling each author. In many cases, for the U.P Notable Classic Books (more than 10 years out of print), she has brought in surviving members of the author’s own family to appear in their stead. Events are hosted from the Crystal Falls Library, sometimes with local community members in attendance, as they were for Joanna Walitalo’s (Pelkie, MI) live demonstration of techniques from her book WOODBURNINGS.
U.P. Notable Books List / Book Club is a singular cultural resource. Evelyn Gathu, Director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library, was awarded Librarian of the Year for her unstinting dedication to bringing people together as a community where isolation from like-minded readers would otherwise be daunting. Without her guidance and commitment, the project could never have begun and flourished.
More information about the U.P. Notable Book list, U.P. Book Review, and UPPAA can be found on www.UPNotable.com
Iwish her all the best and may she continue doing her best
Congrat Evalyne