This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Tonya Aikens, President & CEO of Howard County Library System, (HCLS), a nationally recognized library system committed to its mission: Learn. Grow. Connect. Tonya has led HCLS since 2018, bringing more than 2 decades of experience in public libraries, nonprofit leadership and community engagement. Under her leadership, HCLS continues to redefine what libraries are-offering not just books, but also community programs, educational classes and innovative resources for all ages.
At HCLS their mission is simple but powerful: Learn, Grow, Connect. This mission statement grew out of their new strategic plan which identifies 3 priorities: 1. All children enter school ready to learn 2. Teens & young adults feel a sense of agency and belonging and 3. An inclusive, connected community where everyone feels like they belong.
HCLS' Summer Reading Program is going on now through August 31st. Anyone can sign up, track their reading, win prizes and join in fun experiences all summer long. You can register online at hclibrary.org or visit any of their 6 branches to sign up in person. Participants receive a reading log, event calendar and access to tons of resources to get started.
Tonya also talked about how this past Winter, HCLS employees voted to become unionized. She also explained how each of HCLS' 6 branches has a special focus-sort of a bonus feature like their Central Branch is the Home of the Art Collection, the East Columbia Branch is their primary passport center, the Elkridge Branch is home to the DIY Education Center and DIY Collection, and their Savage Branch + STEM Education Center just to name a few.
To find out more about the Howard County Library System including their programs, branches and Summer Reading Program, visit hclibrary.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click the media player below to listen to the interview and find out more.