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February 16, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Donna Scott-Martin
(301) 699-3500, ext. 6152
donna.scott-martin@pgcmls.info
Largo, MD – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is proud to announce that Kelsey Hughes of the South Bowie Branch Library was recently awarded the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) 2021 Volunteers of the Year Award. Hughes’ exemplary service on the 2019 Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners Committee is an example of the international leadership that PGCMLS staff demonstrate in the field of library and information science.
The award-winning committee members are:
“We are truly honored to receive this award,” said the 2019 Outstanding Books for the College Bound Committee. “We were happy to have an opportunity to work on the 2019 Outstanding Books for the College Bound.” “Despite a challenging year, our team was able to come together from all different parts of the continent and find joy in sharing about books and learning together. I am so proud of the final list we developed and so pleased that I get to share this honor with my five fellow committee members,” remarked Kelsey Hughes, who serves as a Librarian at PGCMLS’ South Bowie Branch.
The two other recipients of the 2021 YALSA Volunteers of the Year Award are Gregory Lum, individual YALSA member and Molly Dettmann, Coordinator of YALSA’s 2021 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Blogging Team. The 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award Jury members are: Chair Jessica Hilbun Schwartz, Louisville Public Library, Louisville, CO; Betsy Fraser, Calgary Public Library, Calgary, AB, Canada; Jennie Randolph, Wake County Public Schools, Raleigh, NC; Caitlyn Seale, Mississauga, ON; and Carolyn Vidmar, Baltimore, MD.
This award acknowledges the contributions of an individual YALSA member, YALSA chair or team lead, and YALSA group who have demonstrated outstanding service to the mission, goals and work of YALSA during a given service year. Each recipient receives a complimentary membership to YALSA for one year. For more information, visit the Awards and Grants section of the YALSA website.
About Kelsey Hughes
Kelsey Hughes is the Librarian III at the South Bowie Branch of Prince George's County Memorial Library System. She previously served as the Library’s Adult and Teen Services Specialist. She also serves as the chair of the Maryland Library Association Teen Interest Group. She received her master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2018. Hughes is passionate about crafting high quality, engaging and educational programs that help library customers of all ages to become interdisciplinary, curious thinkers.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 915,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve booklovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. The Books from Birth and Ready 2 Read programs make the Library the primary source of early literacy education and Kindergarten readiness programs in the County.
PGCMLS’ robust online offerings include curated content collections for kids, teens, educators, Spanish speakers, and more. Virtual events and outreach provide access to the Library from the comfort of home or on the go. Special programs include the D.R.E.A.M. Lab, STEM Pals, and 3D printing, which offer teens and lifelong learners with opportunities to learn cutting-edge technology and STEM skills for job readiness or personal enrichment. The Library also provides drive-up WiFi access at all branches and mobile hotspot devices. The Library’s Laurel Branch Library received the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and was designated the best new public building in Maryland.
About the Young Adult Library Services Association
The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org