National Award Given To Prince George’s County Library System

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System has received a national award for innovation from the Urban Libraries Council. Named the top innovator in U.S. and Canadian public libraries for “Creating a Workforce Ecosystem” in 2021, PGCMLS workforce and community development programs provide comprehensive job readiness resources, programs and support for Prince George’s County residents.

These programs are made possible in collaboration with partners like Employ Prince George’s, PGCMLS Foundation, University of Maryland, Center for Technology Access and Training, Maryland State Library and Capital One.

The annual ULC Innovations awards recognize transformative programs that address structural racism, bridge digital divides, provide lifelong education opportunities, meet the needs of under-resourced populations and improve essential library service delivery from ULC’s member library systems across the U.S. and Canada.

PGCMLS’s workforce and community development initiative was selected by a panel of expert judges from over 250 submissions in 10 categories that showcase creative thinking and imaginative applications of library resources. Award winners are recognized for their level of inventiveness, the outcomes achieved and the ability for other libraries to adapt and implement their work.

“I am tremendously #PrinceGeorgesProud of the library’s workforce and community development team and all PGCMLS staff who work tirelessly every day to connect neighbors with resources and services to advance their personal goals,” Roberta Phillips, CEO of the library, said. “This national recognition is also a testament to the significant contributions our partners like Employ Prince George’s, the PGCMLS Foundation and CETAT, have made to helping the library expand its capacity to anticipate and support community needs.”

During the pandemic, PGCMLS formed a workforce team to bridge employability gaps focused on the digital divide by providing innovative virtual programming, training and community partnerships. The team developed a microsite and business wiki to improve equitable access to resources for all customers, including those transitioning into entrepreneurship. These programs and services have led directly to Prince George’s County residents gaining employment during a period of up to 11 percent unemployment.

• The Workforce and Community Development microsite serves as a virtual one-stop shop for jobseekers and entrepreneurs.
• Over 2,000 library customers received career readiness support between July and December 2021.
• New resources and initiatives include a business wiki developed with University of Maryland to help customers develop their business plans.
• IC3 digital literacy certification course with CETAT. A customer wrote, "IC3 is available at no cost to the student. I feel so much more confident about pursuing an IT career."
• A series of LinkedIn, resume and interview workshops for older adults sponsored by Capital One and the PGCMLS Foundation.
• The addition of Spanish-language career and small business books to the library’s collection.
• Workforce development training and certifications for PGCMLS staff.

“Creativity and inventive approaches continue to thrive at ULC member libraries, and this year’s winners are no exception,” Urban Libraries Council President and CEO Susan Benton said. “This year’s submissions highlight our libraries’ remarkable capacity for leadership, commitment and determination during a time of continued change and stress. We celebrate the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System for developing a leading-edge program that will transform their library and community, serving as a model for all public libraries in North America."

Continuing the momentum that resulted in this national award, the Library’s Workforce and Community Development Team will launch a new monthly series of resource sessions for veterans, prospective and current servicemembers, and military families called “Base Camp.” The program launches online Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. (free, registration required at pgcmls.info/events).

Presented in partnership with the Prince George’s County Office of Veterans Affairs, participants will gain access to upcoming events, information, initiatives and resources that will help veterans and their families.