Two Madison Public Library librarians received local awards as part of the City of Madison Mayor’s Neighborhood Conference on November 17.
 
Holly Storck-Post accepted the Alix Olson Award, presented by STAJOH (Seeking Tolerance and Justice Over Hate). The Alix Award recognizes contributions of individuals who make a difference by promoting tolerance and justice in their community. Retired Madison Police Department Detective Alix Olson was the heart and soul of STAJOH, and this award is given in honor of her service.
 
As a librarian in the Madison Public Library system, Storck-Post is passionate and committed in her work to promote diversity, equity, tolerance, acceptance and inclusion for all. She is dedicated to making the world a better place, one book and one program at a time within and outside the library walls — including the numerous daycare facilities and outreach locations she visits regularly, sharing stories with children, and providing tools and resources for caregivers.
 
Carissa Christner accepted the Mayor’s Design Award on behalf of herself, Madison Public Library, and Madison Parks for Wild Rumpus: An Anji Play Experience program. The Mayor’s Design Awards recognize innovative public projects focusing on neighborhoods, arts, sustainability and high-quality design. Wild Rumpus: An Anji Play Experience brought opportunities for child-led play to thousands of children over the summer of 2018 at Brittingham, Haen Family and Reindahl parks. The program was a partnership between the library, Madison Parks Division and Anji Play, and was funded in part by Madison Public Library Foundation. Anji Play is an educational philosophy centered on self-determined play. Children create a “Play Story” after they are done playing. Whether they create drawings, write paragraphs or simply scribble, kids get the opportunity to express themselves and reflect on their experiences.