UW-Stevens Point Libraries Director Mindy King has been named the Wisconsin Library Association’s 2026 Librarian of the Year, recognizing her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to students, libraries, and the Wisconsin community.
The award comes at the culmination of one of the most
transformative periods in the history of the UW-Stevens Point Libraries.
Since becoming director in 2017, King has guided the
Libraries through a series of extraordinary changes. She led library operations
during UWSP’s merger with its branch campuses, navigated the challenges of the
COVID-19 pandemic, and oversaw the relocation of approximately 500,000 volumes
to a temporary off-site facility while the former University Library was
demolished and replaced.
Throughout nearly four years in temporary facilities, King
ensured that library services continued for UWSP students and faculty while
working closely with architects and campus partners to help plan a new library
designed for future generations of Pointers.
That work culminated in the opening of the new Library &
Student Resource Center on April 13, 2026.
King advocated for opening the building before the end of
the spring semester so graduating seniors would have an opportunity to
experience the new library. She also supported dedicating significant space
within the building to services that contribute directly to student success,
including academic advising, tutoring, disability services, veterans services,
and financial services.
Her leadership has extended well beyond the physical
building.
Under King’s direction, the Libraries have expanded support
for open educational resources and affordable course materials. She helped
establish a faculty stipend program encouraging the adoption of open
educational resources and has promoted opportunities for UWSP researchers to
make their scholarship openly available.
King has also worked to reduce costs directly for students
by purchasing multiuser ebook editions of required supplemental course readings
whenever possible.
Innovation can be seen throughout the new facility as well.
The four-story building includes green roofs, 380 solar panels, bird-safe
windows, flexible classrooms, wellness spaces, an environmentally controlled
archives facility, and a 24-hour computer and study area. A new combined
library service desk brings circulation, research assistance, and technology
support together in one location.
Even while managing the demands of a major construction project and the responsibilities of directing the Libraries, King has remained directly connected with the people the library serves. She continues to teach students and regularly works at the library’s reference desk.
Her commitment to librarianship extends across campus and
throughout Wisconsin. King leads UWSP’s Open Educational Resources Community of
Practice and serves on numerous university committees and initiatives. Her
professional and community service has included the Council of University of
Wisconsin Libraries, the Portage County Public Library Foundation, and the
Wisconsin Library Association.
The Wisconsin Library Association Librarian of the Year
Award recognizes an individual whose contributions demonstrate exceptional
service to libraries, their users, and the profession.
King was nominated for the honor by UWSP librarian Troy
Espe, with additional letters of support submitted on her behalf.
The award will be presented during the Wisconsin Library
Association Awards & Honors Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Madison
Marriott West.
This recognition celebrates not only an exceptional year,
but leadership that helped carry the library through years of change while
keeping its central purpose firmly in view: serving students, supporting
learning, and ensuring access to information.
Congratulations, Mindy, on being named Librarian of the Year!