VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The following is a news release from the Valley City Barnes County Public Library.

Director Anita Tulp said, ” When you mention the word “librarian” most often people will associate it with the person behind the circulation desk in the library that gives you the evil eye if you are talking too loudly or emits a tsk tsk when you return a book late or damaged. Fortunately, librarians have been working hard to break out of that mold and we at the Valley City Barnes County Public Library are lucky to have a librarian that has been blazing a trail to do just that by making our library and its services relevant for the needs our community and patrons in fun and engaging ways. Melissa Lloyd began her journey here at the library as a young mother bringing her children to Storytime and other programs geared for children. It wasn’t long before she was encouraged to join our library team as a library assistant and then moved her way up to Youth Services Coordinator and currently serves as Assistant Director of the library.

She has been instrumental in creating and making the Summer Learning Program what it is today and has lent her expertise to other libraries so they could improve their summer reading programs. Her creativity and enthusiasm for programming has helped create a library environment that is not just about books, but about people learning, growing, and connecting.

Melissa’s vast knowledge of the library’s collection is an asset to anyone who might not know where to find something or what genre might be their new favorite thing to read. With a smiling face and a contagious fun-loving nature, you will often find her having a rousing discussion with patrons. She firmly believes that anyone that wants to utilize library materials and services should be able to find what they need and want and continually reviews the collection to ensure that it reflects the many viewpoints and ideas of all people in our community.

Melissa is not only an excellent librarian, she is also a great leader and mentor to our library staff members. Her diligence in following established library policies and modeling of this behavior ensures that all entering the library are treated fairly and with respect. Her guidance and support have instilled the same attention to serving our patrons with care in all our staff members.

Under the direction and encouragement of former director Steve Hammel and through her own diligence to continuing education, Melissa has become well respected in the library community. It is no surprise that she was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedicated service to the North Dakota Library Association in 2015 and the TR’s Best of the Best Award for Best Librarian in 2017.

In August, we helped Melissa celebrate two great milestones. First, it was the month of her 10th anniversary of working for the library and second, she graduated from San Jose State University with her Master’s in Library and Information Science. She isn’t one to like a lot of fuss made so we knew whatever we did, it had to be a surprise! On August 29th a beautiful bouquet of flowers was delivered and a short time later she was surprised to find a gathering of patrons, family, friends, and staff waiting to congratulate her on her graduation and to help celebrate her 10th anniversary.

Video testimonies from former and current co-workers, patrons, youth, and family confirmed what we already know about Melissa—she has touched many lives during her 10 years here and has made many memories that will never be forgotten. We welcome those that may have missed this opportunity to express congratulations or appreciation for her 10 years of service to stop in the library and drop off a card or ask for Melissa and tell her in person. The library address is 410 Central Ave. N., Valley City ND 58072 if you would rather use mail.

As I continue to settle into my position as the VCBC Public Library Director, I have gained great respect for Melissa’s knowledge, wit, and support. I admire her dedication to our library and community and look forward to many more years of working together.”

Anita Tulp, Valley City Barnes County Public Library Director