Largo, MD – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has a long history of developing and supporting leaders who serve the local community and represent the county on a national stage. Roberta Phillips, the Library’s chief executive officer, was named a recipient of the Prince George’s County Women in Government Award at the virtual 36th Annual Women’s History Month Luncheon held on March 25, 2021. At this prestigious Prince George’s Proud County event, Phillips was honored for her leadership in mobilizing the Library’s resources to provide essential services needed by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort has advanced the Library’s evolution as a social impact organization. Throughout the pandemic, PGCMLS and its staff have augmented digital access to the Library and are keeping the public informed about resources and services.

Dr. George L. Askew, MD, FAAP, Deputy Chief Administrator for Health, Human Services, and Education, Prince George's County had this to say about the award: “This is a much deserved honor for a true champion for children and families in Prince George’s County.  She is an inspirational leader and has been a tremendous thought partner in our efforts to make Prince George’s a Child Friendly County.”

“Thanks to the support of the County, an outstanding Board of Library Trustees, a dedicated PGCMLS Foundation Board, and exceptional PGCMLS staff, the Library was empowered to collaborate with others and help address the challenges of our times,” said Phillips. “For example, the Spauldings Branch Library is hosting a Mobile Food Pantry in partnership with Food 4 Thought on Saturday, March 27, from 11 am to 1 pm. Visit Essential Services & Resources (Distribución de recursos y servicios esenciales) for more information.” PGCMLS offers virtual events such as Immigration, Civil Rights, and Electoral Engagement with Azadeh Shahshashani, Human Rights Attorney on March 31 at 7 pm and Corporate Partnership Building for Non-Profit Fundraising on April 14 at 2 pm to advance equity within the community.

Phillips’ recognition is a credit to her leadership and reflects the dedication and passion that PGCMLS staff bring to serving the community. Library staff as a whole are honored to serve the community during this period of transition and hardship. To learn more about the Library’s work during the pandemic, visit pgcmls.info/annual-report. Phillips also worked as a school librarian and as a teacher. She holds degrees from Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Phillips lives in Brandywine with her husband Chris.

About Roberta Phillips

As the Chief Executive Officer, Roberta Phillips leads the Prince George’s County Memorial Library with vision and passion creating a culture of trust and empathy. Her roles include designing and implementing a strategic framework, overseeing allocation of funding and collaboration with County leadership, the Library Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and numerous partners. She works to ensure staff have the tools and training required to serve the community needs. Phillips currently serves as president of the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators. Prior to joining PGCMLS, she was the director of planning and projects for the Richland Library in Columbia, SC and director of the Orangeburg County Library in Orangeburg, SC. Phillips was named a “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal in 2013.

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. Curbside Services are available Tuesday-Friday (1-6 pm) and Saturday (1-5 pm) at 16 of the Library’s branches.