Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable
contrast.
November 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is honored to serve all Prince George’s County residents by providing access to services, educational resources, and engaging programs that support community needs and a high quality of life. PGCMLS is proud to announce the launch of its Strategic Framework 2021-2024, which will guide the work of the Library over the next three years with a new mission, vision, values, and strategic focus areas. The framework provides a foundation for ongoing collaborations between PGCMLS staff, the Board of Library Trustees, and community members to strengthen the Library’s role as a responsive and trusted community-driven organization.
The Library’s new mission, vision, and values reflect the community’s heritage and a bold and aspirational approach to the future.
Strategic Framework 2021-2024 is the result of an 18-month strategic planning process led by the PGCMLS staff strategic planning team, the PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees, Margaret Sullivan Studio, and Ashana Crichton of Arc Growth. “Our strategic planning process was highly collaborative and focused on gathering and analyzing community feedback to shape the future of the Library,” said Roberta Phillips, the Library’s chief executive officer. “I am grateful to and proud of all who participated in shaping the future of PGCMLS.”
Community input and feedback will be essential to setting implementation goals for the Strategic Framework over the next year. Special initiatives will focus on five strategic focus areas: inclusion, literacy and learning, personal achievement, creativity, and healthy living. These focus areas align with the Prince George’s County government’s “Proud Priorities” and Forward Task Force Report, which respond to the immediate and long-term goals for developing a stronger Prince George’s County.
“For many community members, the Library is the most frequent and visible point of contact with the County’s government, providing access not just to library resources, but also to many services supplied by other public and private sector organizations. This makes collaboration and innovation key to the Library’s efforts to unlock and expand our community’s potential,” said Brett Crawford, President of the Board of Library Trustees.
Community members may explore the Library’s new Strategic Framework Microsite to learn more about the Library’s path into the future. Feedback and suggestions are welcome and may be submitted to pr@pgcmls.info. A downloadable version of Strategic Framework 2021-2024, featuring artwork by Prince George’s County-based artist Jay Durrah, is available here.
The Library will host two virtual community conversations to introduce Strategic Framework 2021-2024 and answer any questions. Both events are open to the public. Visit pgcmls.info/events for more information.
Strategic Framework 2021-2024 Launch Video [English, Spanish]
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.
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.