It’s not every day a librarian gets the surprise of a lifetime.

In Sharon “Shari” Burdt’s case, that surprise is one she will remember for the rest of her life, and stand as a testament to her life’s work — literacy and children.

Burdt, 82, walked into the library at Doyle-Ryder Elementary School on Wednesday, March 26 to a surprise ceremony to honor her and rename the facility in her honor.

“This is unbelievable,” Burdt said after being greeted by dozens of staff, family members, friends and both current and former students. “I love reading to the kids. I don’t care how old they are. I’ll read to anybody that will listen to me.”

“It takes a lot of dedication, but I love doing it or I wouldn’t be doing it.”

In the 53 years Burdt has worked as a librarian for the district, she has taken on a number of additional responsibilities, including organizing Doyle-Ryder’s plays, concerts, and other events.

“Through her passion for education and steadfast commitment to student success, Sharon has inspired generations by instilling a love of reading, exploration, and lifelong learning,” said Doyle-Ryder Principal Natoya Coleman. “Her influence extends beyond the pages of books. She has been a guiding force, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and imagination in every student who has had the privilege of learning from her.”

“Not very many things happen significantly here at Doyle-Ryder without Mrs. Burdt having her hand in it,” Coleman said. “And when she goes to work to interact with children, you can see the excitement in their eyes.”

The library’s new name, the Sharon Burdt Library, was unveiled on Wednesday and Burdt was presented with a dedication plaque that’ll be placed in the library to remind future generations of the impact she had on the school and the district.

Wednesday also marked the first-ever Sharon Burdt Day, which will be held annually on March 26 throughout the district to serve as a reminder of the importance of education, the arts and the power of community as exemplified through Burdt’s life and work.

In addition to working with Burdt as the district’s superintendent, Kevelin B. Jones remembers the impact Burdt had on him and his family when he was both the principal of the building, as well as a student at Stewart Elementary School, where she worked before it was shuttered.

“I thank God that I met you when I did. I have to say I’m a witness of her impact in the lives of children and not only myself, but in the life of my child,” Jones said. “You have impacted folks all over Michigan.”

Jones presented Burdt with a medal bearing the district’s R4 emblem, the district’s highest honor and symbolizes its mission of “re-energizing the pride, renovating the plans, rebuilding the possibilities, and repurposing for a brighter future.”

By Jake May |  MLive.com