Largo, Md. – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has a strong track record of developing innovative library leaders who bring creativity to enriching services to the community. Teresa Miller, Librarian I, Spauldings Branch Library, was recognized with the Maryland Library Association Emerging Leader Award on Thursday, May 6, 2021 during the virtual Maryland Library Association/Delaware Library Association Conference.

Miller’s work leading the PGCMLS staff LGBTQ+ team has transformed the Library’s services, programs, outreach, and preparedness for supporting the local LGBTQ+ community and allies. The award was presented during a keynote address by bestselling author and commentator R. Eric Thomas (“Here for It”). Also nominated for this year’s Emerging Leader Award was Zachary “Zach” Jones, Library Associate II, Largo-Kettering Branch Library.

“All of us at PGCMLS are proud of Teresa for her important work in moving the organization forward with its support of LGBTQ+ customers,” said Michelle Hamiel, COO for Public Services. “She and Zach Jones bring a passion for public service to the Library that directly benefits the community.”

The Maryland Library Association Emerging Leader Award recognizes a member of the association working in a library who demonstrates strong leadership potential and encourages the recipient to assume an increasingly responsible role in librarianship. "I feel incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Miller. “Thank you to all of my colleagues who have worked so hard to make the LGBTQ+ team a success!" Miller was nominated by Rachel Zukowski, Program Services Manager, PGCMLS, on behalf of the Library’s Executive Team.

About Awardee Teresa Miller

Teresa Miller founded the PGCMLS LGBTQ+ team in November 2019 to address the need for library services focused on the LGBTQ+ community. She specializes in youth programming, particularly crafts and LGBTQ+ content. Miller was recently promoted from a part-time Librarian I position at Greenbelt Branch Library to full-time Librarian I at Spauldings Branch Library. A first generation college graduate, Miller earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 2017, and her Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Maryland College Park in 2019. She has worked as a circulation aide in Alaska's largest library, where she also studied bookbinding and repair. In her free time, she enjoys crafting with recycled and found materials.

About Nominee Zachary Jones

Zach Jones has been a transformative leader on the PGCMLS staff workforce and community development team. Born and raised in Prince George’s County, Jones began his relationship with PGCMLS as a child who visited the Surratts-Clinton Branch. He is a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School and University of Maryland College Park. Jones joined PGCMLS in 2011 in the Materials Management Department and transitioned to branch work in 2014. He served on the Library’s strategic planning team that developed Strategic Framework 2021-2024 and was nominated by CEO Roberta Phillips.

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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.

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.

As a strong community partner, the Library regularly collaborates with local government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide access to essential community services and programs. Partners include the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, Employ Prince George’s, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Prince George’s Community College. Learn more at pgcmls.info or by visiting the Largo-Kettering Branch at 9601 Capital Lane, Largo, MD 20721 Phase 2 Limited Six-Branch Reopening updates available here. New Phase 2 Library hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (1-6 pm), Wednesday (1-8 pm) and Saturday (1-5 pm) with the exception of Baden. Baden Branch hours (Wednesday-Thursday 2-6 pm and Friday 11 am-2 pm) remain the same.

About the Maryland Library Association

Maryland Library Association provides leadership for those who are committed to libraries by providing opportunities for professional development and communication and by advocating principles and issues related to librarianship and library service. MLA was founded in 1923 to promote library service in the state. Among members are library staff and trustees, library school students, libraries, and friends of libraries representing the full spectrum of librarianship in Maryland. In 1974, MLA became a legally chartered non-profit, tax exempt corporation. The Association is a state member of the American Library Association, with an elected chapter councilor serving on its governing board.