Hennie Vaandrager, Programming & Outreach Manager at Kent District Library (KDL), has been named the Michigan Library Association’s (MLA) Public Librarian of the Year, honoring her visionary leadership and lasting impact on libraries and the communities they serve.
Vaandrager envisioned On the Same Page in response to the loneliness epidemic identified by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2023, creating a community-wide experience that brings people together through literature and conversation.
In its third year, an event featuring Kristin Hannah sold out within minutes, generating a waitlist of more than 5,000 people. Vaandrager secured Van Andel Arena, welcoming nearly 7,000 attendees. The event garnered widespread media attention, and On the Same Page was subsequently named the “World’s Largest Library Program.”
“Hennie has an extraordinary ability to recognize a community need, envision what is possible and bring people together to make it happen,” said Randy Goble, KDL’s Director of Engagement. “Through On the Same Page, she has demonstrated how libraries can foster meaningful connections and create a sense of belonging on an incredible scale.”
Vaandrager’s impact extends well beyond this signature initiative. During her more than 25 years at KDL, she has helped transform library programming, strengthen literacy initiatives and expand opportunities for learning and engagement.
She is particularly proud of guiding KDL’s post-pandemic programming revival, helping restore and expand opportunities for community connection through more than 6,000 annual programs and outreach events. She also developed a centralized programming model that ensures high-quality experiences across all 20 KDL branches.
A passionate advocate for childhood literacy, Vaandrager has helped shape initiatives that inspire a lifelong love of reading. She played a key role in reinventing KDL’s summer reading program as Summer Wonder, incorporating STEAM activities to encourage curiosity and combat summer learning loss. She also helped establish a countywide reading initiative that evolved into KDL’s Legendary Readers program. Through storytimes, school partnerships and other literacy efforts, she continues to create meaningful learning opportunities for children and families.
Building relationships is central to Vaandrager’s leadership. She takes pride in investing in people through formal and informal mentorship, fostering connections with patrons and staff, and cultivating community partnerships with organizations such as the World Affairs Council of West Michigan and Literacy Center of West Michigan.
Under her leadership, KDL’s programming has made a measurable difference. Between 2022 and 2025, in-person program attendance increased by 69%, Summer Wonder participation rose by 56% and overall library visits grew by 21%.
The MLA Public Librarian of the Year Award recognizes librarians who enhance the visibility of libraries and serve as catalysts for innovation. Vaandrager exemplifies both, demonstrating how libraries can be places not only for information and learning, but also for friendship, discovery and belonging.