Shirley Hodges of Albion was presented with the 2008 Library of Michigan Genealogy Appreciation Award at the 2008 Abrams Genealogy Seminar in July at the Library of Michigan.

Shirley has been actively doing genealogical research since 1967. She has taught family history classes and seminars in the United States and Canada since 1994 and has served as a guest lecturer for several college-level programs since the mid-1990s. Although she has focused much of her research on tracing female ancestors, she covers a wide variety of topics aimed at both the novice and advanced genealogical researcher. Shirley is currently serving as the president of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society and numerous other state and local societies.

"Shirley is a great advocate of the Library of Michigan," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "When speaking to out-of-state audiences or at national conferences, Shirley often functions as an ambassador of the Library. She praises our staff and collections, and actively encourages researchers to visit Lansing to take advantage of the Library's collection."

Shirley has long viewed the Library of Michigan as her "home" collection. In the past she has readily volunteered her time to assist the Library by providing presentations or promoting various events. Besides being a well-respected researcher, she is an outspoken supporter of the Library of Michigan's Abrams Foundation Historical Collection.

The Library of Michigan Genealogical Appreciation Award is sponsored by the Library of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation annually as a way to recognize and thank the genealogical community in Michigan. Past winners 008 Library of Michigan Genealogy Appreciation Award include Dr. Joseph Druse, Ruth Lewis, Barbara Brown, J. William "Bill" Gorski, Peggy Sawyer Williams and John Castle.