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Aaron Stefanich
Class of '96
Aaron Stefanich, the children’s services director at the Grand Forks Public Library, has been named the North Dakota Library Association’s 2023 Librarian of the Year for outstanding contributions to the library profession in the state.
“I’ve been here long enough to have seen children who used to attend storytime grow up to be adults. The highlight of my career was to have my own children attend storytime," Stefanich said. “Libraries have always been a magical place for me. I love books, and I enjoy working with people.”
Stefanich's work included enhancing children's programming and leading a department remodel over the past year. He also has served on various state and national groups and committees, has presented at conferences and serves on the Caldecott and Sibert award committees.
The Librarian of the Year Award was established in 1992 and is awarded to those who have made notable contributions to the North Dakota library profession; those who have furthered significant development of libraries in North Dakota; and those who have performed exemplary statewide service for an extended period of time.
Stefanich has served as the children's services director at the Grand Forks Public Library for nearly 15 years. His work has resulted in drastic improvements in programming for children.