As part of National Library Week, which runs April 3 - April 9, 2022, we want to recognize our incredible staff!
The City of Sterling Heights named Loa Foreit the 2021 Employee of the Year and Krista Ghazar 2021 Part-time Employee of the Year. Below, find out what makes their work possible, fun, and meaningful.
Employee of the Year | Loa Foreit | Circulation Supervisor
What is your favorite part of working at the library?
I have an amazing staff and wouldn't be able to accomplish anything without them. We have so many great patrons but I love seeing our youth enjoying the library!
What part of your personality helps you excel at your job?
Empathy helps when dealing with staff or patrons.
In a world with no restrictions, what else would you like the library to provide?
I think we should have a library dog. I really did suggest that once to improve staff morale! 
What are you reading right now? The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah
What book, tv series, movie, podcast, content creator can you not live without right now?
I am always looking for a good WWII story. The Book Thief was one of my favorite books and I have to force myself to pick up something different ever since.
I have a son and daughter who are grown and out of the house. Besides reading, I enjoy vacationing, boating and being near the water; bike riding, hiking and walking my dog, Ella.
Part-time Employee of the Year | Krista Ghazar | Youth Librarian
What is your favorite part of working at the library? 
My favorite part of working at the library is the ability to be creative. I love planning programs for our patrons and being given the freedom to try new things. I also love working with our patrons and helping them do things they have never done before like using the Cricut or 3D printer. I love to learn new things and I love helping other people learn new things.
What part of your personality helps you excel at your job?
I truly believe that being creative means having no fear. Not being afraid to fail. Not being afraid of suggesting new things that may not be accepted or liked. I think that also encompasses being passionate about things and not being ashamed of that. I love being enthusiastic about my job, my fandoms, my favorite things. And then creating programs around those things. I want to create an atmosphere where enthusiasm and creativity are safe and contagious.
In a world with no restrictions, what else would you like the library to provide? 
I think I would like to see even more exciting equipment in the Maker Space and then more programs around that equipment. I would love a larger 3D printer and a laser cutter.
What are you reading right now?
I am reading The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson. This is the third book in his Mistborn series. He has created an amazing world with a truly unique magic system. I look forward to reading all his books set in that world.
What book, tv series, movie, podcast, content creator can you not live without right now?
Anyone who knows me knows I love the Star Wars universe. Books, movies, TV shows, everything. Of course, that means we will be having a Star Wars day program at the library on May the 4th! It is so fun to prepare crafts and activities for families who love Star Wars like I do. My love for that fandom influences a lot of what I do as I have many Star Wars friends and even my personal art reflects it.
I am so grateful to be able to live and work in this city. We have a great library and my coworkers make it fun to come in every day.